The Foundation for California Community Colleges developed the YESS-LA program and we are very pleased to be offering this program to qualifying foster youth referred to us by their social workers. We recently completed our first year of training modules having graduated 109 foster youth from the program and we are currently scheduled for 5 upcoming modules for 2008-2009 fiscal year at Citrus College!
The YESS Program serves foster youth ages 14-21 in two categories:
- Tutoring: Youth ages 14-15 are eligible for tutoring on a case-by-case evaluation to assist them in passing the CAHSEE.
- Life Skills: Classes are designed for youth 16-21 years of age, providing experiential learning opportunities that develop life skills they can utilize in their walk toward adulthood.
At Citrus College, we host approximately 5 modules a year that consist of ten 3-hour meetings, with approximately 25 youth per module in attendance. To determine if your youth is eligible and qualifies for either of these services, please follow the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) procedure below:
- Have the youth contact his/her social worker to inquire about the YESS Program.
- The social worker will contact the youth's Transitional Coordinator (TC). He/she will complete the necessary paperwork and refer the youth to Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC). The FCCC will then contact Citrus College's YESS Program.
- Citrus College's Outreach Advisor will process any necessary paperwork and contact the youth to verify the youth's interest in the program and help them prepare for independence.