Education Resources
Upcoming Events
Cash for College & Career Convention
Cash for College Workshops provide free, one-on-one professional financial assistance to families completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] and Cal Grant GPA Verification Forms.
November 6-7, 2008,
L.A. Convention Center
, 8:30am - 1pm.
Check here regularly for new events.
Program and Resources Search
Healthy City
Search for all types of programs, resources, and services for children and families in Los Angeles County.
LA County Libraries
Search for the Los Angeles County community library nearest to your home or school. Information on hours of operation, services offered and upcoming events for each library is available.
The 2008-09 People's Guide to Welfare, Health and other Services
The People's Guide gives practical information about how to get food, money,
housing, health care and other help from government programs and community
services if you live in Los Angeles County and need the help in hard times. The
People's Guide also gives advice on what to do if you are treated unfairly or
do not receive what you are entitled to by law.
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Programs and Resources for Young Children
First 5 LA
Information on programs and resources for children ages birth to 5 years and their caregivers.
Los Angeles Universal Preschool
Information on finding a preschool in your area and other helpful resources. LAUP provides a fee waiver for foster children, the children of foster and probation youth, and the children of foster parents for any of their preschools.
Zero to Three
Parenting tips and resources for caring for young children, birth to 3 years old.
Cheerful Helpers Therapeutic School
This preschool and kindergarten program is ideal for children, ages 3 - 6, who have learning or emotional issues and who are getting ready for or have been transitioned into stable/permanent placements (through adoption, reunification, guardianship, etc.). The program serves children Monday - Friday, 8 am to 1 pm, and accepts Medi-Cal. The program seeks to promote healthy attachments between the child and their caregivers, therefore, parents/guardians are expected to participate in weekly family therapy sessions. For more information, please contact:
Ellen Reinstein, (310) 423-3557, ellen.reinstein@cshs.org
or Suzanne Silverstein, (310) 423-3506, suzanne.silverstein@cshs.org
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Foster Youth Peer Support
California Youth Connection
Advocate for yourself and other foster youth throughout California. Foster youth involved with CYC work to educate public policy makers on issues facing foster youth, help pass legislation, and create real system change.
FosterClub
National network for foster youth. Connect with other youth across the country on topics that are important to you.
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After-school Programs
LA's BEST
Information on after-school programming for Los Angeles area children.
Creative Education Classes
In this program, foster youth and other at-risk youth from the South Los Angeles area are given the opportunity to uncover hidden talents and gifts and develop them into a lifelong practice through the guidance of nurturing professionals. Each weekend, Peace4Kids provides free creative education classes for these youth ages 8 -13. The projects encourage the children to explore self-expression as a means to establish their own individuality. Many of the courses provided are in the areas of health, nutrition, sports, computers, and the arts.
Peace4Kids
Peace4kids Athletic/Nutrition program offers yoga, sports, and tai chi classes so that foster youth and other at-risk youth from the South Los Angeles area are given the opportunity to learn how to manage the stress in their lives. There are also opportunities for students to learn about healthy meals, nutrition, and proper hygiene, through cooking and nutrition classes offered in 8-week sessions.
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Summer Program Opportunities
Camping Trips
Each summer foster youth and other at-risk youth from the South Los Angeles area involved in the Peace4Kids programs have the opportunity to go on camping trips to Catalina Island, a horse ranch, the mountains, the Angeles National Forest or Zuma Beach. On the trips the children go hiking, learn how to snorkel, kayak, swim and surf. On the trips, the children learn peaceful ways to interact with peers.
Los Angeles County Summer Arts Internships
Los Angeles County, through its Arts Commission, has given grants totaling $496,000 to 87 performing, literary, media and municipal arts organizations throughout Los Angeles County to support paid internships for college undergraduates in summer 2008.
Download the information in PDF format here: 
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Tutoring Help
Children, Youth and Families Collaborative
Information on various programs to help foster youth succeed academically, including after-school and weekend tutoring and remedial help.
Free Live Homework Help
Live online homework help for students in the 4th through 12th grades offered by the L.A. County Public Library. Tutoring is available seven days a week, in English and Spanish, by teachers, graduate students, and subject experts.
Free Help for Youth Preparing for High School Exit Exam
Culver City Adult School is offering a California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Prep class. This class will help students prepare to master the skills needed to pass both the Math and English portions of the CAHSEE. The class is absolutely FREE, and is being offered to both adult school and high school students, Monday through Thursday 6:30 to 9:30 pm and Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. There is open enrollment throughout the school year. For more information, please contact Independent Learning Center at (310) 842-4333.
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Mentoring
Children, Youth and Families Collaborative
Information on various programs that connect foster youth to adult mentors.
Operation FUN
Group mentoring for foster youth..
Peace4Kids
Peace4Kids provides a caring mentor for every foster youth and other at-risk youth from the South Los Angeles area enrolled in our program so that none of them are led to failure, but instead are given the formula for success.
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Life Skills
Peace4Kids
This program covers employment, housing, and money management for foster youth and other at-risk youth from the South Los Angeles area. Their focus is to encourage each teen to develop dreams and goals for their own future. Youth will learn how to look for a job, write a resume, fill out applications, and what to expect, including how to act, in a job interview. They will also learn how to find an apartment, what is important to look for in an apartment and/or roommate, and what the responsibilities are when signing a lease. Finally, they will learn the many aspects of managing their money including budgeting, saving, banking, planning ahead, and tips for saving when shopping.
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Mental Health Services
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
This program offers several services for foster and probation youth on Medi-Cal, ages 0 - 21. These include: individual and group therapy, outpatient/inpatient services, socialization and intervention groups, etc. Services are tailored to the child or youth's individual needs. Staff willing to help with transportation issues. Please contact:
Suzanne Silverstein, (310) 423-3506, suzanne.silverstein@cshs.org
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College Preparatory Help
Important Tips
Important tips for any student thinking about attending or ready to apply for College. Contains information on College Requirements, Financial Aid Deadlines, tips for getting more financial aid, and other relevant facts.
College Board
Information on preparing and registering for the SATs, determining the right college for you or a youth in your care, applying to college, and paying for college. Information provided to both youth and their caregivers.
Fulfillment Fund
Information on their college counseling program, starting with 10th-graders, that helps prepare students for applying to and paying for college.
UFC’s College Within Reach
Information on a college readiness program that prepares foster youth in grades 7 through 12 to become competitive applicants to four-year colleges/universities. Applicants must be in the 6th grade when applying. Applications are usually accepted between January and March of each year.
UFC’s Destination: College
Information on an annual conference for foster and probation youth, their caregivers, and caseworkers on how to prepare, apply, and pay for college, plus attend a college fair with over 80 colleges/universities from across the country. Tailored for grades 8 through 12, and those attending community colleges, so that students can participate year after year and receive new information each time. Applications are typically accepted from August through October (click on Educational Events).
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College Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Housing
California Chafee Grant
Application for the Chafee Grant Program (or the Education and Training Voucher), which provides funds for foster youth attending colleges/universities, community colleges, or career/technical schools within the state of California.
Cash for College
The City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles City. Workforce Investment Board help L.A. families access higher education and career opportunities.
Community Colleges with Dormitories
2008 list of Los Angeles area Community Colleges that have dormitories on campus or nearby.
Financial Aid Resource Guide
Everything you need to know about paying for college: a thorough list of scholarships, financial aid options, and important deadlines to help keep you on track. Updated in 2008.
Fastweb
Scholarship search site that helps link you to scholarships most right for you.
Free Application to Federal Student Aid
Student aid from the U.S. Department of Education. In many cases, this form needs to be completed in order to receive other types of grants. Application deadline for receiving the highest priority status is March 2 (students who meet this deadline usually qualify for the most financial aid); absolute application deadline is
Gates Millennium Scholarship Program
Application for the Gates Millennium Scholars program and information on other scholarships available.
Grants for Individuals
List of undergraduate and graduate grants available to persons belonging to various constituents groups, including African American, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian and other ethnic groups; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals; those with physical disabilities, special needs, or developmental delays; veterans; women; and non-traditional students.
ILPOnline
Information on college scholarships specifically for foster and probation youth. Look for the Celebration I, Celebration II, and Success is Our Future events that give scholarships to participants (the application process is usually between January and March of each year, for graduating high school seniors only).
LA’s Cash for College
Scholarship information and help with filling out financial aid forms. Come to our February 2008 workshop. Download the information in PDF format here: 
The Michigan Foster Education Resource Network
The Michigan Foster Education Resource Network is a nonprofit organization staffed by foster youth and student volunteers, is offering three scholarships for foster youth currently enrolled in post-secondary education.
To be eligible, the youth must:
- be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a college, university, or vocational training program;
- have spent at least six consecutive months in foster care prior to their 18th birthday;
- and submit an application and at least one reference by November 31
The awards, in amounts of $100, $150, and $250, will be mailed no later than December 31, 2007.
Orphan Foundation of America
Scholarships available specifically for foster youth.
Sin Barreras Foundation
If you are a graduating high school senior of Hispanic origin looking to attend college in the Fall, this scholarship may be for you! You must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 or higher in order to qualify, and legal status information is not required. The deadline for applying is June 29, 2007.
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College Support Programs
Guardian Scholars
Information on a support program for foster youth planning on attending Cal State Fullerton University. If accepted, scholarships are provided. Application details available.
Renaissance Scholars
Information on a support program for foster youth planning on attending Cal Poly Pomona University. Application details available.
UFC's College Sponsorship Program
Information on a program that offers scholarships and support to foster and probation youth attending four-year colleges/universities throughout the country (the application process is usually between October and January of each year, for graduating high school seniors or community college transfer students only).
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Internships
Congressional Foster Youth Internship Program Accepting Applications
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) wants to bring 16 college students formerly in foster care to Washington, DC, in summer 2007 to work in Congressional offices. CCAI started the Foster Youth Internship program in 2003 to raise awareness on Capitol Hill about the needs and unique perspectives of young adults in the United States aging out of foster care. For eight weeks each summer, 16 academically successful college students participate in the program full-time. They work directly with legislative assistants, attend Congressional hearings, and work on small legislative projects.
Eligible applicants were in foster care at age 18 or were adopted from the foster care system after age 14. The CCAI internship program pays the interns a small stipend and covers other major expenses, such as housing and transportation to Washington, DC. Applications are due January 5, 2007
Hollywood CPR
Enables foster youth and at risk youth to get training and employment (averaging $30/hour) in union-jobs that service the movie industry.
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