Celebrating National Foster Care Awareness Month
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to honor the resilience of foster youth and recognize the vital role community support plays in their educational journeys. At Fullerton College, we proudly join this national effort, reaffirming our commitment to empowering current and former foster youth through our Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) program.
Since the establishment of FYSI in fall 2008, this marks our 17th consecutive year of recognizing and supporting foster youth during this important month. Our ongoing dedication underscores the college’s mission to provide equitable access to education and resources for all students.
Raising awareness about foster youth is crucial because these students often face unique challenges in accessing and completing higher education. By highlighting their experiences and needs, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. Awareness initiatives also encourage community involvement and policy development aimed at improving outcomes for foster youth.
In recognition of FCAM and in solidarity with our foster youth students, students, staff and faculty are encouraged to wear blue throughout the month of May. Blue ribbons can be picked up at the FYSI office, located in Building 2000, Room 2002. Additionally, the FYSI program will host a series of outreach tabling events and webinars in honor of FCAM.
OUTREACH TABLING IN BUILDING 2000 BREEZEWAY
Tuesdays (May 6, 13, 20): 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 22: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
OUTREACH TABLING IN QUAD
Wednesdays (May 14, 21): 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Thursdays (May 8, 15): 12:30-2:30 p.m.
FROM FOSTER CARE TO COLLEGE SUCCESS: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE, EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
Wednesday, May 7 | 2-3 p.m.
Zoom
Junely Merwin, student services and financial aid specialist, will share her personal journey from foster care to college success. Merwin will highlight how the FYSI program at Fullerton College advocates for students in need and share how students can access support and find a sense of community and belonging within the program. This event is open to all students and staff. Call the FYSI program at 714-992-7173 to reserve your spot.
CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES CHANCELLOR’S OFFICE FCAM WEBINAR
Monday, May 12 | 10-11 a.m.
Zoom
Junely Merwin is the keynote speaker for Foster Care Awareness Month hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. In this statewide webinar, she will share her powerful personal journey navigating the foster care system and higher education while parenting and offer insight on how higher education professionals can support and empower foster youth to succeed in college and beyond. Register now.
END OF YEAR CELEBRATION
Wednesday, May 16
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel
This event recognizes all graduating students who participate in either the CARE, CalWORKs or FYSI programs.
Through these initiatives, FYSI aims to create a nurturing environment where foster youth can thrive academically and personally. Together, we can build a stronger future for foster youth on our campus and beyond.
If you are a current or former foster youth attending Fullerton College, we invite you to join our program and access the support you deserve. Get started by filling out the FYSI program application, or learn more about the FYSI program by visiting their website.
