D1     Evolving Connections: Adapting Programs and Partnerships to Strengthen Foster Youth Transitions

Stephanie Oquendo and Eygiel Limbo

Promises2Kids

 

Change is constant. Funding shifts, policies evolve, and student needs grow more complex. Join the Promises2Kids team for an innovative take on how promoting connection, adaptability, and collaboration transforms outcomes for youth in foster care. For over 44 years, Promises2Kids and its programs have redefined how community organizations evolve to meet change. The Guardian Scholars and Foster Futures Program has not only transformed but expanded and sustained its impact, growing stronger through every policy shift and funding transition. Our programs serve over 275 current and former foster youth annually with an 85% college and vocational graduation rate. Our model integrates advocacy, mentorship, and multi-agency partnerships to build stability and success. You will learn how community-based programs can adapt and stay sustainable. We’ll explore together how the Guardian Scholars Program supports high school students’ transition planning, ensures college persistence, and how Youth2Youth builds belonging through peer mentorship.

 

D2     School Mobility for Students in Foster Care: Trends from 2017-18 to 2023-24

Izamar Ortiz-Gonzalez, California Department of Education

Jonathan Isler, California Department of Education

Niu Gao, American Institute of Research

 

In this workshop, we will review findings of a study between the American Institute of Research and the California Department of Education which formed a research-practice partnership to examine the educational stability and outcomes for students in foster care. The findings of this partnership provide the first comprehensive look at the statewide data on foster youth mobility and its variation across student groups and over time. The findings underscore the urgent need to improve educational stability for students in foster care, especially those who are Black, have disabilities, or have experienced homelessness.  This presentation concludes with a demo of an interactive map showing how students in foster care move schools during a school year in California.

 

D3     Building a Countywide System for Surrogate Parent Appointments and Collaboration

Alejandra Chamberlain, Contra Costa County Office of Education

 

In this session, we will share Contra Costa County’s innovative approach to improving educational stability and IEP participation for students in foster care through a countywide Education–Surrogate Parent (Ed/SP) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, developed collaboratively between the County Office of Education and districts, defines agency roles and timelines for surrogate parent appointments, training, and data sharing. You will leave with an understanding of the key legal and operational elements of a Surrogate Parent MOU aligned with IDEA and CA Ed Code. You will also learn strategies for interagency collaboration that streamline surrogate parent appointments and strengthen student advocacy and receive practical tools, timelines, and templates to support implementation in your own county or district.

 

D4     At-Promise Youth Success Through the "Thrive Program"

Diana Chapero, District Counselor, Rachel Storch, CWA Coordinator and Tiffany Hampton, Student Services Director Victor Valley Union High School District

 

We know that it only takes one caring adult to make a difference in the lives of our children. The Thrive Program is a program designed specifically for Foster and McKinney-Vento Youth with the purpose of increasing academic achievement, improving attendance, decreasing disciplinary issues, and developing a sense of belonging through positive relationships and building community. Students enrolled in Thrive have direct and consistent access to a teacher, specific staff members, the Student Services Department and local organizations that support them through this journey so they are able to graduate from high school with multiple options for post-secondary success. Leave with information on funding sources and local support to help. 

 

D5     The Digital Safety Net: Building Resilient Support Networks for Foster Youth

Isabel Stasa, Foster Greatness

 

In a landscape of funding challenges, how can we build sustainable, scalable support for foster youth? This workshop introduces Foster Greatness’s innovative app and social enterprise model—a solution designed to be a central hub for stability and connection. We will do a live demo of our app, which directly addresses critical issues like school stability, transportation, academic support, and post-secondary transition. We will break down our nonprofit social enterprise structure that funds the platform, ensuring long-term viability without relying on restrictive grants. Leave this session with a blueprint for using technology and collaborative economics to create a resilient, interconnected support network that empowers students and the adults who guide them.

D6     Nothing About Us Without Us: Building a Countywide Empowerment Model for Foster Youth

Amanda Corridan and Kenn Allman

Riverside County Office of Education

 

The Riverside County Office of Education Student Empowerment Program was built on a simple principle, "nothing about us without us." Foster youth helped design the program that connects students, districts, and community partners through a coordinated system that blends student voice with accountability. The program uses county-level planning, district coordination, and partner integration to deliver a structured sequence of in-person and virtual sessions that build student leadership, stability, and postsecondary readiness. You will leave with a working framework and tools to adapt in your own counties.

 

D7     ACE's (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Connection Before Content

Tanya Rosa and Bertha Castellanos

Golden Valley Unified School District

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In this interactive session, educators will learn practical strategies to create trauma-informed classrooms where all students feel safe, valued, and supported. In this workshop, you  will explore how trauma impacts learning and behavior, how to reframe challenging student responses as stress reactions, and how to foster meaningful connections without sacrificing healthy boundaries. The session also emphasizes the importance of educator self-care as a foundation for building regulated, resilient learning environments. Engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and reflection exercises designed to translate knowledge into practice. You will receive take-home resources—including strategy guides, classroom visuals, and self-care tools—that can be implemented immediately. Whether you are new to trauma-informed practices or looking to deepen your approach, this session will equip you with actionable steps to better meet students where they are and create classrooms that support growth, belonging, and success.

D8     Thrive in College: From Surviving to Succeeding

Ian Erickson, Independent Student Success Advocate

 

College can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this interactive workshop, you’ll discover practical strategies to not only survive college life, but truly thrive in it. Learn how to balance academics and social life, build effective study habits, and find your community through clubs, campus events, and even learn how you can study abroad! We’ll also break down essential resources geared towards Foster Students like specifics in the FAFSA, and Foster Youth specific scholarships and grants. We are here to help you stay financially and mentally prepared for college. You will receive a resource guide packed with checklists, planning templates, and insider tips to make the most of their college journey. Come ready to connect, reflect, and leave with an action plan for success!

 

D9     Unlocking Financial Aid: Your Guide to College Funding in California

Shawn McCall, Merced COE FYSCP/Merced Cal-SOAP

Kiah Brock, Merced Community College NextUp

 

Financial aid plays a crucial role in supporting students transitioning to post-secondary education and ensuring their academic and personal success. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, securing adequate funding can ease the financial burden and allow students to focus on their studies. In California there are many financial aid options available, including federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. By applying for financial aid, students gain access to resources that not only help cover tuition fees but also support additional educational expenses, such as textbooks, housing, and transportation.  In this workshop, learn how to apply for all available financial aid opportunities early in post-secondary transition to maximize chances of college success. Proper planning in conjunction with financial aid assistance, empower students to thrive academically and make the most of their college experience.

 

D10     You Belong Here: Guaranteed Admission at Sacramento State

Dr. Linda Howe-Ram, Gina Bryan, Sienna Horita, and Susan Kischmischian

Sacramento State Guardian Scholars Program

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Join us to learn how Sacramento State is opening doors for students who have experienced foster care or were identified as McKinney Vento students in senior year of high school by offering guaranteed admission if you meet A-G Requirements and are enrolled in the Guardian Scholars Program (GSP). This workshop will explore the wide range of services the GSP offers from academic/personal support and financial aid guidance to dedicated staff and a variety of activities to build relationships and community. You’ll hear real stories from current GSP students, get practical steps on how to apply, and discover how GSP will provide support from enrollment to graduation. We believe in your potential, and we’ve built a program that proves it. Come find out why You Belong Here and how GSP will help you succeed every step of the way through your college journey.