County Foster Youth Celebrate Accomplishments at Second Annual Graduation Event

More than 70 Santa Clara County current and former foster youth were honored in June 2019 for graduating from High School, obtaining a GED, earning a Vocational Program Certificate, Associate Degree, Bachelor and/or Master’s Degree in the 2018-2019 academic year.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the amazing educational achievements of our foster youth,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Chair of the Board of Supervisors’ Children, Seniors and Families committee. “It truly takes a village of individuals, families and communities to work together to ensure our foster youth’s emotional and educational needs are met.”

Foster youth were treated to a special night at Levi’s stadium that included an awards ceremony and dinner. The celebration was hosted by the County’s Department of Family and Children’s Services, (DFCS), Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (CASA), the Bill Wilson Center (BWC), Pivotal, and the San Francisco 49ers. 

Molly, pictured above with 49er players, graduated this year with her Bachelors from SJSU.  She was a foster youth, is a mom and last year participated in the Summer Intern and Earn program in the DFCS Director’s Office.  Molly has aspirations in obtaining her Master’s degree.  Molly had a Child Advocates’ CASA when she was 15.  DFCS Director Francesca LeRúe said Molly is a beaming example of how important quality services and having a circle of support can mean to a foster youth.  

Current foster youth graduating from high school, and continuing to higher education, were eligible to apply for a DFCS Scholarship. Four $1,000 DFCS Scholarships were awarded at the event.