United Friends of the Children is committed to ensuring that current and former foster youth have access to high quality education and opportunities to pursue their academic goals. Through the College Sponsorship and College Readiness Programs, UFC provides college counseling and support services, offers school-related financial assistance and helps foster youth plan for their futures beyond college. UFC offers a hand up, instead of handout, that many students need to transition to independence and become successful adults. > COLLEGE SPONSORSHIP > COLLEGE READINESS > EDUCATIONAL EVENTS EDUCATIONAL EVENTS Celebration UFC co-sponsors a graduation ceremony with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Probation, The Teague Family Foundation, Casey Family Programs and The Community College Foundation each year. The event honors the academic achievements of foster youth who graduate from high school with a 2.8 grade point average or higher and plans to attend a college, university, trade or vocational school. Each year at Celebration, UFC awards 30 college sponsorships with a combined value of $450,000 per year for up to five years, to help offset the financial burden of college. Referrals are accepted July - January each year. For more information please contact Monica Bomkamp Enia at (213) 580-1845 or monica@unitedfriends.org. Download Celebration Application College Within Reach UFC strives to ensure that foster youth have the information and resources they need to make college a reality. Each fall, UFC hosts an annual college preparatory event especially designed for foster and probation youth. College Within Reach offers workshops about the college admissions and financial aid process as well as a college and resource fair where students can meet college reps and learn about available resources. The event is open to students in grades 9-12 or community college students, as well as caregivers, social workers, lawyers and other service providers. The entire day is tailored to youth in care with the goal of giving students the necessary tools and information to begin college planning with every chance for success. Download Flyer       Download Registration Form Download Sponsorship Form