SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Last month, several students from the Santa Maria Joint Union School District participated in a youth summit focused on developing youth in the education system.
The 2024 California Foster Youth Education Summit brought Santa Maria Unified School District (SMJUHSD) students and educators together in Sacramento to provide a platform for collaboration, learning, and advocacy.
In partnership with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley (FBSMV), a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy relationships and support systems among youth, parents, educators, and the community, SMJUHSD students will participate in the summit, Addressed the unique challenges faced by foster youth in the education system. .
This year's summit, held April 14-16, brought together educators, state representatives, and students from across California to better serve this vulnerable population and comply with state laws such as AB 490 and AB 2083. We worked hard on strategies to ensure that.
“We recognize that young people are one of the most vulnerable and dynamic populations today,” Santa Maria High School teacher Julieta Delgadillo said. She said, “Through our partnership with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, we are able to comply with state law and, more importantly, implement processes to create support systems that directly impact the lives of our students.” We were able to implement a restorative approach.”
The summit featured two keynote speakers whose personal experiences resonated with attendees. Dr. John Gaines, known for his motivational speaking and community outreach efforts, emphasized the power of resilience and personal empowerment.
Dee Hankins, who overcame the challenges of foster care to graduate from California State University, Long Beach, shares his inspiring journey and mission to help all students reach their full potential. I spoke.
“One of the highlights of the summit was the testimony of one of our students, Jada Solis, who spoke in front of 900 educators, state representatives, and fellow students,” said Regina Salazar, FBSMV program specialist. I did,” he added. She said, “Jada shared her personal journey and the invaluable support she received from her FBSMV mentors, demonstrating the transformative impact that her mentorship and community support can have. did.”
Students from all four SMJUHSD integrated sites were in attendance and represented their school with pride and dedication in advocating for youth development rights and support. “It was an honor to support the students attending the summit, and we are honored by their dedication to advocacy,” said FBSMV Program Director Shana Pompa, who planned all arrangements for the SMJUHSD delegation to attend the event. He expressed his enthusiasm for the students' participation. To ourselves and our allies, we will demonstrate the resilience and strength within our community. ”
The 2024 California Foster Youth Education Summit emphasized the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and support to create a more inclusive and equitable education system for all students, especially those in foster care.
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