Since 2020 we have partnered with San Mateo County’s Independent Living Program in their efforts to support and encourage their High School seniors to be able attend memorable events, celebrate their last year of high school and the achievement of graduating. However there are often financial gaps that have not been filled for one-off “extra’s” such as hair, makeup, and nails, flowers and transportation for dances or graduation events. While these extras may be optional, they make a huge difference in their senior year experience, and creates a sense of normality for youth who may not be able to participate in the pampering and preparations other wise. Let’s make this senior year memorable.

For more information or questions about the Independent Living Program, please take a look at their website or connect with the ILP Supervisor, Jeremy Latta at (650) 599-5981, jlatta@smcgov.org.

Meet the High School Seniors:

The foster youth student is a high school senior and will be graduating at the end of the school year. He is interested in going to college after he graduates. He looks forward to meeting new people in the college setting. The student is unsure what to study in college but is open to meeting with counselors and the career center to explore that further. Some of the students current hobbies include soccer and tennis. Student is planning to play both sports in school. The student has a great relationship with his foster parent. He hopes to continue having a relationship with her after he graduates high school.

The foster youth student is a high school senior. She is on track to graduate. The student has aspirations to attend community college. She will be the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college. She has expressed interest in medical field as a career goal. She stated that she wants to help people in her community. Although the student is an English learner, she is working hard to improve her English. In the weekends the student loves to spend time with her brother. The student is also an active participate in the San Mateo County Independent Living Program.

The foster youth student is a high school senior and is on track to graduate high school. This student has amazing grades and holds a 3.14 GPA. She is very dedicated to her studies and has plans to attend college after high school. The student has a great support team that encourages and challenges her. The student has been very engaged in our ILP programming. She has attended multiple in person events since she entered foster care. The student looks forward to connecting with more resources in the community and in the college setting after she graduates high school.

The foster youth student is in 12th grade. Initially, the student was not too motivated in school but since her junior year she has stepped up to improve her grades. She is now on track to graduate high school. She is excited to attend senior activities such as prom and grad night. She also hopes to attend college. She wants to continue improving her English through ESL courses and eventually taking classes to be a CNA/Medical Assistant. She eventually wants to study to be a Nurse.

The student is a current high school senior. The student is excelling in school. She holds a 3.2 GPA. Although the student wants to go to community college first, her high school counselor encouraged her to apply to CSUs and Universities due to her excellent grades. The student is also actively searching for a part-time job. She feels confident that she can manage school and work due to her light class schedule this school year. The student has expressed interest in wanting to be a Social Worker. She reported she would love to work with families and children from her community. Overall, the student is excited about her future and looks forward to enjoying her last year in high school.