YESS Independent Living Program (ILP)
The Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success Independent Living Program (YESS/ILP) prepares foster youth aged 16 to 21 to move into independent adult living.
Each year, approximately 4,000 of California's foster youth turn 18 and become independent, many without the necessary skills to support themselves. Studies show that as many as 50 percent of emancipated foster youth become homeless, have serious money problems, or are incarcerated. To better prepare foster youth for independence, Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success - California (YESS-California) aims to help current and former foster youth transition successfully into self-sufficiency and adulthood. The program was developed in 2007 through collaboration between the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Department of Social Services.
Contact Dana McKnight for more information.
Empowering Greatness Classes
Fall 2024 Empowering Greatness Class Schedule
Empowering Greatness is a series of five classes. Current foster youth ages 16 to 18 are invited to join. Foster youth who live in foster or group homes are welcome.
- Wednesday's 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday's 10:00 AM to 1:00
- Face to Face classes will be held at American River College, 4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841, Community Room 1, behind cafeteria
- October 19 and December 7, 2024.
- Zoom Classes: To register
Topic: ILP Getting to Know You
- Instructor: Tori Garcia
- Date: September 25, 2024
- Description: Get to know you and your needs & How to access resources and create your transition plan.
Topic: Budgeting and Financial Literacy
- Instructor: Tori Garcia
- Date: October 19, 2024 In-Person
- Description: How to find and maintain a budget that fits your needs and participate in a mock session on opening a bank account, financial literacy terminology, exploring their options, and run-throughs of diverse scenarios / possible situations they might run into when budgeting for life.
Topic: Work and Career Exploration
- Instructor: Tori Garcia
- Date: November 20, 2024
- Description: We will look into job applications, permits, references, how to find jobs online (Indeed), terms such as entry-level, experience, and other opportunities to get our students into the work field and learn about key terms like Grants, FAFSA, scholarships, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and more about how to pay for their education.
- Zoom Classes: To register
Education Opportunity and Options- Planning for the Future
- Instructor: Tori Garcia
- Date: December 7, 2024 In-Person
- Description: By the end of our classes, we want to help our students get a better understanding of how to apply for college and which educational pathway (2-year, 4-year, credential, trade, etc.) fits their career/life goals best. We will celebrate all our students have learned and have the students take a career quiz so they get a better understanding of what majors/schools have related programs. At the end of the session, students will paint in an interactive art session.