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Foster Youth Explore Career, College Opportunities at CSUF

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More than 150 foster youth ages 11 to 21, and their caregivers, gathered at Cal State Fullerton Feb. 4 for the eighth annual Foster Youth College and Career Fair.

Committed to creating a college-going culture for foster youth, the University’s Center for Scholars and its Guardian Scholars program partnered with the Orange County Department of Education and Orangewood Foundation for the daylong introduction to higher education and career opportunities.

Activities included a campus tour, student panel discussion and resource fair with representatives from nearly 100 community partners, nonprofit organizations, city and county social service departments, transitional housing programs, city police and fire departments, hospitality companies and higher education foster youth programs.

“Our goal is to encourage all foster youth to pursue higher education and to welcome them to CSUF with open arms,” said Deanna Merino-Contino, director of the Center for Scholars. “We want them to know that CSUF is a place that will embrace them and assist them in becoming proud Titans.”