Past Events

UFC's first class of Readiness students entering the 12th grade participated in a two-day college boot camp. In partnership with admissions staff from CSU Dominguez Hills and CSU Northridge, UFC provided students with information about the college admisstions process and valuable materials to assist them with college applications.

For the first time, new students participated in a two-day overnight orientation at Temescal Gateway Park. Orientation offers an overview of UFC's program services, offers advice and resources to promote college success, and help students create a sense of community within and across program cohorts. Older Sponsorship students and program alumni participated as volunteer team leaders and shared their advice and knowledge about succeeding in college.

Ten College Readiness high school students toured the Northern California campuses of UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley and received crucial information regarding the college admissions process for the UC system. Students experienced college life first hand by taking a class, staying in the dorms and dining on campus. Admissions representatives and student service groups presented to the students about the various services they provide. Students also got the opportunity to experience life outside of the campuses with visits to local attractions.

Eleven College Readiness middle school students experienced five action-packed days in Washington D.C. through the generous support of Close Up Programs. This unique opportunity provided students with enriching, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that included visits to the White House and the major monuments in the National Mall and the Holocaust Memorial and participation in mock Congress. Day trips to both Jamestown and Williamsburg gave students a glimpse of American History as they learned what colonial life was like.

Hundreds of community members, UFC board and staff members, and friends and family of the graduates came out to Walt Disney Concert Hall to celebrate the academic achievements of Los Angeles foster youth. Nearly 150 youth participated in the very special graduation ceremony that included guest speakers Raven-Symoné and Harry Lennix, and Master of Ceremonies Damon Wayans, Jr. with a special video message from Paula Abdul. UFC also hosted a pre-reception for the 30 students receiving UFC College Sponsorships and all the guests of the evening enjoyed a wonderful catered reception by Patina.

The students and UFC staff members enjoyed a docent lead tour of the zoo which included some time with the chimps and gorillas. After lunch, the youth got to make their own behavioral enrichment toys for the animals and toured some sections of the zoo off limits to the general public. Special thanks to Gretchen Easton Photography for covering the event!

UFC was fortunate to be selected as the Sofa Company's Charity of the Month and received a gorgeous new sectional sofa for Pathways' Inglewood community room. The Sofa Company is all about "making a house a home" and selected UFC and Pathways because of our committment to foster youth and creating a home they can always return to. Sandra Hill Williams, Director of Pathways, chose a purple sectional, “not beige,” to reflect the hope and inspiring energy of the young people we work with.