John Burton Advocates for Youth

⏩ A new report issued by the Urban Institute explores the implementation of NextUp programs for foster youth at California Community Colleges, finding that 80% of NextUp students had positive experiences of the program and staff.👏 ⏩ To read more about the successes and challenges of NextUp implementation, visit https://lnkd.in/gcJG9VyV.

Surreal. That's how Rose Wilhem described learning that the $13.7 million Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program was spared in the 2024-25 California State Budget. Rose, a Youth Advocate at John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), fought to save the program since January. This program provides essential services to over 1,300 former foster youth in California, preventing homelessness. Rose, who benefited from this program herself, shared her story in numerous hearings and meetings, demonstrating the profound impact of these services. Her advocacy was crucial in preserving the program, ensuring continued support for youth. Learn more: https://conta.cc/460n5ck

When it comes to tough budget decisions in a deficit year, California walks its talk, preserving millions in support for current and former foster youth despite the state budget deficit. Thank you to Assembly and Senate leadership, budget committees, and the entire Legislature. Thank you Governor Newsom for a balanced budget that prioritizes our most vulnerable young people. Special appreciation for preserving the $13.7 million Housing Navigation & Maintenance Program and key child welfare investments! @caspeakerrivas @senatormikemcguire @asmjessegabriel @scott_wiener @quirksilvaca @senatorstephenpadilla @asmcoreyjackson @sencarolinemenjivar @philting @senator_umberg @senatormed @asmchrisward78 @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom

Thank you for standing with California’s foster youth and a coalition of more than 100 public agencies and community-based organizations to fight for critical housing support for youth preparing to age out of California’s foster care system, and those young adults who have recently exited the system. In California’s housing crisis, this is true homelessness prevention. @philting @senatortomumberg @senatormariaelenadurazo

📣Have you heard?! 📣 Both of JBAY’s sponsored bills, AB 2137 (Quirk-Silva) and AB 2508 (McCarty) passed unanimously on consent to Appropriations! 🎉Thank you to California legislators for taking this next step in supporting improved education outcomes for California’s foster and homeless youth. To read more about JBAY’s policy agenda and victories visit jbay.org/advocate/

🎉 Big news! Yesterday, Assembly Bill 2508 passed out of the Senate Education Committee! Huge thanks to JBAY Youth Advocates Wednesday Pope and Traneisia Jones for their expert testimony, and a special shoutout to Assemblymember Kevin McCarty for championing this important cause. This college saving plan could mean so much to youth in foster care. As Wednesday shared, “I am a first-generation college student. Growing up, I experienced not only foster care but also extreme poverty. No one ever spoke to me about college and the benefits. I thought it was something out of reach. I had heard that it was expensive and would lead me into long-term debt.” Together, we're making a brighter future for California’s children and youth in foster care! 🌟 Learn more here: https://conta.cc/3zpcn3e

✨California community colleges have perks for foster youth…including grant funding of approximately $30,753! ⏩ Fill out your FAFSA/CADAA by September 2nd to be eligible for max aid at a California community college. Don’t forget the Chafee grant too! ✨Grant eligibility varies based on time in foster care, financial need, unit load, citizenship status and GPA. To find out more: https://lnkd.in/gy_PFqfG:

College savings accounts are one of the best, proven ways of increasing the likelihood that a student will go to college and can help ensure our most vulnerable students are able to achieve their college dreams! 🎓⭐️ AB 2508, authored by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, would expand eligibility for the CalKIDS college savings program, requiring that all foster youth in the 1st through 12th grade receive an enhanced deposit of $500 for college savings. ➡️ ➡️ AB 2508 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee and we need your support! To submit a letter of support by 6/20/2024, 5pm visit jbay.org/advocate.

We CAN prevent homelessness among youth leaving CA’s foster care system. The $13.7M Housing Navigation & Maintenance Program is preserved in the Legislature's budget bill, AB 107. Let's keep this critical investment in the final 2024/25 state budget @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom

🎉 Congrats to our FAFSA/CADAA Challenge Winners! 🎉Each year, we challenge California counties, districts, and schools to commit to ensuring their foster and homeless students complete their FAFSA/CADAA. And each year, folks rise to the occasion! Despite the challenges of this year’s FAFSA rollout, California counties and agencies continued to support foster youth and youth experiencing homelessness in applying for financial aid, ensuring a greater likelihood those youth will go on to enroll and persist in college. 🏅For each challenge, four prizes are awarded based on the highest financial aid application completion rates in their respective size categories. #college #fosteryouth #homelessyouth #FAFSA #financialaid #collegebound #highered #icangotocollege