Stars next to the workshop title means the
workshop is Student Oriented 

B1     The Main Street Model: Connection, Work, and Belonging for Stockton's Foster Youth

Tony Yadon, Main Street Youth & Family Services

 

Summary Description: What happens when a community turns its focus to connection, work, and belonging for foster youth? In Stockton, California, Main Street Youth & Family Services created an approach that connects young people in care to meaningful work, supportive adults, and a sense of community. Built from opportunity and persistence rather than a perfect plan, this story demonstrates how creativity and collaboration can transform both people and places. We turned a 70,000-square-foot mostly empty building it to one that is now filled with energy, small businesses, and jobs for youth who need them most Through storytelling and reflection, attendees will explore how to identify their own “Main Street moments”—the overlooked assets, partnerships, and ideas that can strengthen stability and success for foster youth. You will leave with an adaptable framework and reflection guide to help translate inspiration into action in your own communities.

 

B2     Championing Success: Securing Educational Rights for Foster Youth

Jennifer Rios-Zambrano, Colynn Bloch-Rodrigues, and Morgan Larkin

Los Angeles County Office of Education

 

Join us for an engaging and informative session titled "Championing Success: Securing Educational Rights for Foster Youth."  In this session, you'll dive into the innovative collaboration between the Los Angeles County of Education Foster Youth Services Unit and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, known as the Education Specialist Program. This groundbreaking program is designed to support Child Social Workers (CSWs), parents, caregivers, youth, Education Rights Holders (ERH), and authorized DCFS staff as they navigate the complex educational system. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how to advocate for and implement successful partnerships that champion the educational rights and success of foster youth. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in supporting this vulnerable population.

 

B3     Foster Youth Education Rights 101

Jill Rowland, The Alliance for Children's Rights

Danielle Wondra, Children Now

Youth Presenter, TBD, Alliance for Children's Rights, Youth Education Cohort Member

 

Are you a new AB 490 Liaison or otherwise new to working in the foster youth education space? This presentation will give you all you need to know to be successful on these education rights: School of Origin/Stability, Immediate Enrollment, Partial Credits, AB 216 Graduation. You will learn the basics of the law and also practical tools for implementation. This presentation is designed for anyone working with youth in foster care or probation: school district staff, child welfare or probation, minor's counsel, or education rights holders: we have tools for you! More experienced? Come and ask the experts your questions!

 

B4     Bridging Systems, Building Stability:  Collaboration for College-Bound Foster Youth

Michelle Graf, Placer County Office of Education - Independent Living Program

Flo Charlie, Sierra Community College

Kelly Klinstiver, Placer County Office of Education - ILP

 

The Placer County Independent Living Program (ILP), in collaboration with Sierra Community College, will share how their ongoing partnership supports foster youth through the transition from high school to college and throughout their college experience. You will learn how intentional collaboration, consistent communication, and trauma-informed practices help address barriers such as housing, transportation, financial aid, and emotional well-being.  The workshop will  introduce a customized college guide designed specifically for foster youth and it will include timelines, task checklists, financial aid snapshots, SAP basics, support program info, and examples of career and education pathways. Counties can adapt this guide as a template to strengthen post-secondary planning and support in their own communities.

 

B5     CalKIDS: The First Step to College

Dana Salas, California State Treasurer's Office - Scholarshare Investment Board - CalKIDS

 

Join us for an engaging presentation on CalKIDS, the nation's largest Child Development Account program—transforming futures with over 5 million children already enrolled across California. Backed by a historic $2 billion public investment, CalKIDS is paving the way for brighter educational futures by providing college savings scholarships to children statewide, including additional funding for foster youth. Whether you're a community leader or advocate for equity, this session will show how CalKIDS is reshaping opportunities for the next generation. Discover how the program works, who qualifies, and how you can help families and students access these life-changing funds. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how California is investing in tomorrow—starting today.

 

B6     Memories Matter: Using Positive Response to Support Learning and Influence Behavior

Thomas Rector, Accrescent Institute

Christine Slette, CASA of Del Norte

Frances Myers, Accrescent Institute

 

Trauma, behavior and learning issues, instability and neglect.  Our foster youth are constantly in survival mode. How do we get them out of survival mode and better support them on their educational and life journey? In this interactive session, we’ll delve into what’s happening in the brain, its development, and the pivotal role memories play in both learning and behavior. Then, we’ll explore how to use this to positively support and influence behavior and learning outcomes. Equipped with real-life examples and insights from seasoned child advocates, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of why foster youth are struggling, and how positive response techniques can make a difference.

 

B7     Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Grants to Support Career and Technical Education for Foster and Homeless Youth

Jaymee McLaughlin and Tiffany Herringer

Chico Unified School District

 

This workshop will explore the critical role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in empowering foster and homeless youth to achieve their educational and career goals. We will delve into the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable populations and discuss how CTE programs can provide them with valuable skills, pathways to employment, and a brighter future. Key takeaways you will receive include identifying grant sources, Perkins V, McKinney-Vento, and learning strategies for building strong partnerships among schools, community groups, and businesses for comprehensive support. You will also receive a list of valuable additional resources for ongoing support.

 

B8     YEP Students Real Talk

The Youth Engagement Project will be sharing feedback from lived experts of foster care regarding their educational experiences.  The workshop will include successes, challenges and possible solutions to ensure that all foster youth have an opportunity to thrive in their educational journey. Leave this interactive conversation with a better understanding about what worked and didn't in the educational paths of  these youth. 

 

B9     Grown-ish: A Pathway into Adulthood

Malaysia Robinson, Office of Foster Care Ombudsperson

Stephanie Sandmeier, Jennifer Aguilar, Heather Brindley and Brisa Barragan-Huerta 

Sacramento ILP

 

Join the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson, and Sacramento County ILP in a fun and interactive session, where you will learn money management and adulthood rights, educational rights pertaining to college age youth, and  all  the various programs offered by Independent Living Programs (ILP).  Participants will engage in a friendly competition, encountering and solving real-world problems related to adulthood.    You will gain knowledge of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and ILP programs in your area. Sacramento County ILP will also discuss their partnership with the local school districts and academic support provided to youth in care.  This session is geared towards teenagers and young adults.

 

B10     FYSCP Statewide Meeting:

 

This session is reserved for the primary Coordinator for each county FYSCP. Hosted by CDE and the TAP team, this grant-required meeting provides an opportunity to share updates, strengthen cross-county collaboration, and discuss statewide priorities. Separate registration will also be required on the FYSCP Resource Hub, but chose this workshop session if you plan on attending. Networking dinner will follow.