🎵 “Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?” 🎵 Just follow Camp Connect!

Recently, nearly 50 brothers and sisters spent the day with their favorite characters at Sesame Place with the help of Youth2Youth mentors and volunteers.

Often with Camp Connect events like these, the energy was high on the bus ride to the park as siblings reunited and excitedly planned out their day. Once inside the park, siblings and friends were determined to go on the rides and make a big splash! Some groups went to the lazy river, others made their way to the giant water slides. Although it was a cloudy day, that didn’t stop the campers from enjoying time together.

When they paused for lunch, Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street visited our lunch area. Campers were so happy to see her. They surrounded her and gave her plenty of hugs and many took photos to share with each other.

One of the most exciting nights of our year is the Annual Guardian Scholars Awards Reception, which took place last night at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

We recognized the accomplishments of 86 graduates, including 41 high school grads, and 45 completing either a degree or career certification, and they celebrated with almost 300 returning Guardian Scholars, group and 1:1 mentors, volunteers, community supporters, Partners in Education, and staff.

Students heard opening remarks from Tonya Torosian, Promises2Kids CEO, highlighting our commitment to expanding resources including mental healthcare and support for Guardian Scholar parents. Graduating Guardian Scholars, Andres Orozco and Destiny Cole, addressed the group, leaving inspirational parting words.

This was also an occasion for incoming Guardian Scholars to be welcomed to the program, and meet their peers, coordinators, and other key staff that will help them as they turn their dreams into reality

Thank you to all our supporters for allowing us to equip foster youth with the crucial tools and support necessary for our Guardian Scholars to reach their goals!

Compared to other middle and high school students, San Diego’s foster youth in grades 6-12 require more intensive, frequent, and individualized attention to help them graduate high school, prepare for college and career training programs, and compete in the workforce. Unless we address their specialized needs, youth in foster care will continue to pay the price by underperforming academically, dropping out of school, and settling for jobs that lower their lifetime earning potential.

Join us in supporting foster youth education! The new report ‘Destination Graduation’ offers insights into how we can bridge the gap and ensure all students have the resources they need to reach their goals. Read more Here.

For the third year running, the City of San Diego hosted a group of Guardian Scholars at their offices for a morning of career exploration and experience.

Many Guardian Scholars have an interest in public service, and excitedly joined Offices of San Diego City Councilmembers, City Planning Dept., Office of the City Clerk, and the Mayor’s Communications Team to get a glimpse of what a career would hold for them.

For any young person, transitioning into the workforce and a career can be daunting and overwhelming. This is especially so for former foster children, who benefit from exploring opportunities that otherwise would not be available to them.

ABC10News followed one Guardian Scholar, @gabbiezgoodiez, to see first-hand what opportunities like these through Promises2Kids mean to her. You can view the interview HERE.