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November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

In 2007, Congress passed its first resolution (see original House resolution | see original Senate resolution) recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (NHYAM) to build awareness of the issue of youth homelessness, including its causes and...

Updates from Around the State: Fall 2023 Regional Meetings

By Donna Quach The Washington Passport Network launched the new academic year with a series of in-person Regional Passport Network meetings. While these regional groups have had great meetings virtually, the benefits of face-to-face meetings include opportunities for...

Supporting Students at Everett Community College

If other programs had an individual who was assisting the designated staff members, the same strides could be made for students who are in the Passport program. Having an individual who can assist with specific academic and life skills [because] the designated staff members are so busy has been amazing. If everyone had a position like the one I am currently in, it would lighten the load and build capacity. It would be a great addition to Passport programs.

Washington Passport Network in the News

When Curtis Anderson was growing up, he was placed in more foster homes than he can remember or count after he was taken from his abusive family. Anderson credits the Washington Passport Network, which provides assistance to foster youth, to giving him a head start on...

The Journey Continues: A Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow

On April 18, the Northwest Regional Passport Network presented the 3rd annual virtual college and career event “The Journey Continues, We Got You College & Career” specifically to encourage high school students with foster care or unaccompanied homelessness...

Events

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

person sleeping on a couch with text November is National Homeless Youth Awareness MonthIn 2007, Congress passed its first resolution (see original House resolution | see original Senate resolution) recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (NHYAM) to build awareness of the issue of youth homelessness, including its causes and potential solutions, and highlight the need to work to prevent homelessness among children and teens. Since then, November has been a time to elevate the issue of youth homelessness; applaud the efforts of businesses, organizations, and volunteers dedicated to meeting the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness; and grow the commitment to intensify efforts to prevent and end homelessness among young people in the United States.

We have provided the following information and resources for you to learn more about youth experiencing homelessness. 

Did you know?

Did you know? Black youth have an 83% higher risk of becoming homeless, and Hispanic youth have a 33% higher risk.
Source:  https://www.chapinhall.org/project/voices-of-youth-count/

Did you know? In Washington State. 60% of students experiencing homelessness are students of color.
Source: Students Experiencing Homelessness in Washington’s K-12 Public Schools: Trends, Characteristics and Academic Outcomes, 2015-2019)

Did you know? In a recent report from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 20% of youth who leave foster care between 18-21 are homeless within 12 months.
Source: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rda/reports/research-11-254.pdf

Did you know? Almost 13,000 unaccompanied youth ages 12‐24 experience homelessness in Washington annually.
Source: https://www.awayhomewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/YouthHomelessnessWA_LandscapeScan_August-2016.pdf

Did you know? Tacoma School District has the largest number of students experiencing homelessness in Washington.
Source: https://www.nwpb.org/2023/06/02/homeless-washington-students-tacoma-schools-seek-housing-resources-as-district-with-most-homeless-students/

Did you know? LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to become homeless.
Source: https://www.chapinhall.org/project/voices-of-youth-count/

Articles

WA’s $5M youth homelessness effort is ramping up. Is it working?- Crosscut

Guides/ Tip Sheets

Tips for Helping Homeless Youth Succeed in College- SchoolHouse Connection
Quick Guide for Counselors– SchoolHouse Connection
Tips for Higher Education Homeless Liaisons– SchoolHouse Connection
“Response to Student Homelessness” training series from Building Changes
Resource for youth experiencing homelessness

Other Resources

Book and Movie List-  California Homeless Education Technical Assistance Center 

Report

Homelessness Among Youth Exiting Systems of Care in Washington State

Fall Webinars, Conference, and Other Professional Development Opportunities

photo of a person using a laptop with the text Essential Knowledge for Practitioners Supporting Students from Foster Care and UHY

Everyone is headed back to school. Improve your knowledge and skills this fall with a plethora of professional development and collaborative learning opportunities, webinars and trainings that will provide information and resources for education and student support professionals on topics such as financial aid, college admissions, and more. 

SEPTEMBER

Webinar: ARP-HCY Info Session with ED- SchoolHouse Connection

Tuesday, September 12 | noon- 1 PM 

In the wake of the pandemic, a nationwide housing shortage, persistent chronic absence, and alarming child and youth mental health crises, students and schools face unprecedented challenges – including increasing homelessness. 

American Rescue Plan — Homeless Children and Youth, or ARP-HCY funds, are one-time funds that can help meet these challenges. ARP-HCY funds are designated to support the identification, enrollment, and school participation of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including through wrap-around services. These funds must be obligated by September 30, 2024 and spent by January 31, 2025. 

SchoolHouse Connection is hosting this ARP-HCY Info Session featuring presenters from the U.S. Department of Education to provide strategies for meeting urgent needs, including allowable and strategic uses of funds, and examples and tools from state and local educational agencies. We encourage participation from school leaders, homeless liaisons, state education agency staff, and community partners
Featured Presenter: Adam Schott, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education.
Register

WPN Webinar: Using Real-Time Data to House QTBIPOC Youth and Young Adults

Wednesday, September 13  | 1-2 PM

Young people of color and young people who identify as LGBTQ+ are disproportionately served by systems. This WPN webinar will look at using data to end disproportionality and the importance of breaking down barriers between systems to achieve quality data and equitably end homelessness.
Presenter: Leeze Castro (he/they) – Data & Evaluation Fellow (A Way Home Washington)
Register

Office Hours: Supporting Homeless Students: Back to School Office Hours with SchoolHouse Connection

Thursday, September 14 | 1-2 PM
Register

Thursday, September 21 | 1-2 PM
Register 

SchoolHouse Connection’s back-to-school office hours are here! Join to get support in identifying students experiencing homelessness. LEAs implementing McKinney-Vento may encounter specific situations or questions. Bring your questions or simply listen and learn from others.

Webinar: Getting Ready for the Better FAFSA- NCAN

Tuesday, September 26 | 10 AM -12 PM
Register

Webinar: Financial Aid Basics- WSAC


Wednesday, September 27 | 10-11 AM


In this session, participants will learn the basics of financial aid. WSAC will cover federal and state aid programs including grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. WSCA will also discuss when and where to apply for financial aid. Participants will leave with a better understanding of postsecondary funding. This session will prepare participants to help with basic financial aid questions. High school clock hours will be available.
Register 

Photo by Antoni Shkraba

OCTOBER

Webinar: Financial Aid 101- CSF

Tuesday, October 10 | 10-11 AM

This webinar will provide a general overview of aid available, changes for the upcoming year, how financial aid offices build budgets, and how aid is awarded. Good refresher for Beginners.
Register

 

Webinar: Creating an FSA ID- CSF

Thursday, October 12 | 10-10:30 AM

Students and parents will need to create their own FSA ID to access and sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They will use their FSA ID every year to fill out a FAFSA form. Join CSF to learn how students and parents will create and use their FSA ID.
Register

Webinar: CSF Scholarships-CSF

Monday, October 16 | 10-11:30 AM 

This webinar will prepare you for the next CSF scholarship cycle. Learn about different programs, and changes for the upcoming year, and get a tour of the scholarship application platform.
Register 

Webinar: FASFA pt. 1- CSF

Monday, October 23 | 10-11:30 AM

Part 1 is an in-depth tour of the FASFA application, changes for the upcoming year, how to avoid common mistakes, and address special circumstances. Recommended for all Levels.
Register

Webinar: Getting Ready for the Better FAFSA- NCAN

Monday, October 23 | 10 AM- 12 PM
Register

NOVEMBER

Conference: REFCA2023 Conference for Foster Care Innovation

Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4
Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Boston

The 9th national gathering to highlight foster care innovation, honor lived experience leadership, and inspire investment in improving the well-being and life outcomes of the half-million children and young people living in foster care.

  • Designed and led by foster alums — REFCA Champions
  • An opportunity to learn, inspire, and connect
  • Workshops, breakout sessions, Author’s Night book signing
  • Open to all and including CE credits for students and professionals

Tickets from $35
Reserve a Spot

Webinar: WASFA pt. 1- CSF


Monday, November 6 | 10-11:30 AM

Part 1 is an in-depth tour of the WASFA application, changes for the upcoming year, how to avoid common mistakes, and address special circumstances. Recommended for all Levels.
Register 

 

Webinar: Financial Aid Navigation- WSAC


Tuesday, November 7 |  9-11 AM

In this session, participants will learn about the financial aid process and how to help others navigate applying for financial aid. We will cover how to apply for postsecondary funding with the FAFSA and the WASFA. WSCA will also discuss common challenges and errors as well as next steps. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to help others with this important process. This session will prepare participants to assist students as they apply for financial aid and train others. High school clock hours will be available.
Register

Webinar: FASFA/WASFA pt. 2: Student Scenarios- CSF


Monday, November 13 |  10-11:30 AM

Part 2 is a hands-on webinar of 20 case studies. It provides a great opportunity to practice what you will experience while working 1:1 with students. Recommended for all levels.
Register 

 

Webinar: Verification- CSF


Monday, November 20 |  10-11:30 AM

This webinar explains what is verification, the different types of verification, what documents are required, and changes for the upcoming year. It includes case studies. Recommended for all levels.
Register 

Webinar: Getting Ready for the Better FAFSA- NCAN

Monday, November 20 |  10 AM- 12 PM
Register 

 

Webinar: FAFSA Simplification- WSAC


Big changes are coming this fall for 2024-25 financial aid applications! In this session, we will discuss the FAFSA Simplification Act, best practices in implementing changes, and how to communicate changes to partners, students, and their families. WSAC will also share free resources to support you as you help students take their next steps.

More training dates will be posted soon. View our most recent training video here.

Rising Up for Systemic Change: Highlights from the 2023 Passport to Careers State Conference

Centering the voices of those with lived experience in foster care or with unaccompanied homelessness, the 2023 Passport to Careers State Conference encouraged nearly 230 attendees to connect, engage, learn and share over two days full of plenary speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. Speakers urged the attendees to continue to rise up as advocates for systemic change in our foster care system, increases in affordable housing, and greater access to post-secondary education and career preparation. 

Conference 2023 photo

Green River College team made an impressive appearance with 7 staff in attendance – photo courtesy of Dani Crivello-Change

“We were especially pleased to be back in person for this conference for the first time since 2019 and we welcomed over 140 first-time attendees,” noted Donna Quach, Washington Passport Network Program Manager. 

Throughout the conference, galvanization was a central theme. From keynote speaker Senator Yasmin Trudeau’s remarks to the lived experience panel moderator Yvonne-Monique Aviva’s thoughtful leadership to Passport recipient and CSF alum Curtis Anderson’s highlight speech, the need for input and a demand for changes in state policy and practice in Olympia was echoed repeatedly.  

“We must be willing to advocate and fight injustice where it dares to exist, and we must force oppressive systems to acknowledge their own flaws in a way that allows for growth and improvement. I want to emphasize this message because I believe that the greatest battles are won when we refuse to lower our standards. We must be willing to hold our leaders, colleagues, and most importantly ourselves to the professional and personal standards that we already know our youth deserve.” Curtis Anderson 

 

“My call to action is to rise up, to reach out and do the work to change the system. A system that we know is currently not designed to heal, but to harm. Find your path to advocacy, and fight with us––for change.” Yvonne-Monique Aviva

Many speakers also shared how critical their communities were in helping them create successful outcomes. Keynote speaker Maggi Qerimi shared how even just a simple look from her English teacher acknowledging her struggle and demonstrating compassion became a momentous turning point

“I was in the 10th or 11th grade reading The Grapes of Wrath in class. The students in my class were asked by our teacher to take turns reading out loud while the rest of us listened. I started to read when it was my turn…it was hard to focus on what I was reading because I was so focused on getting the words right. I kept reading and when I stopped for another classmate’s turn, I looked up and my teacher’s eyes welled up. I will never forget that moment. She wasn’t judging me [or] my poor reading skills. She was connecting with what I was doing. She made me feel like something I did was impactful. Like I could do something that mattered.” Maggi Qerimi

Lived Experience Panel at 2023 Conference

Lived Experience Panel at 2023 Conference

The lived experience panelists Jacqueline Robles, Brittney Lee, Azia Ruff, Raquel Folarin and Jay Weidemann talked about the barriers they faced before and during their college experiences. They presented attendees with clear ideas about how best to serve youth and spoke about the systemic changes that they would like to see in the future. They generously and authentically shared their experiences and insights about the challenges of being in foster care and unaccompanied homelessness on their college and career journeys.

Workshop presenters covered various topics, adding depth and breadth to the conference. Led by esteemed experts, knowledge, resources and inspiration were shared from across our state. From insights related to the challenges of satisfactory achievement progress required by colleges and universities for students to retain their financial aid to centering racial equity and cultural continuity skill building, attendees had multiple options to hear new perspectives and gain professional training. 

The Passport to Careers program was established in 2008 and is a nationally recognized model for supporting students who have experienced foster care or homelessness. This annual convening brings together professionals from across the state of Washington to build partnerships, inquire deeply and seek solutions for the most vulnerable youth in our community to achieve their career and college goals. Having just completed its 15th year,  the Passport to Careers State Conference continues to be a living example of how centering lived experience and those with lived expertise can influence a more equitable future.

The Journey Continues: A Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow

On April 18, the Northwest Regional Passport Network presented the 3rd annual virtual college and career event “The Journey Continues, We Got You College & Career” specifically to encourage high school students with foster care or unaccompanied homelessness experience to get prepared for college and career success. This year’s event was attended by 28 high school junior and senior students from Bellingham and Lake Stevens schools.

Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-40

The event kicked off with words of encouragement and congratulations from Representative Debra Lekanoff from the 40th Legislative District. Rep. Lekanoff shared her support for post-secondary education through college or apprenticeship and encouraged students to continue their education and reach for their dreams.

Participants also heard from Cecelia (Cece) Thompson, a participant in ANEW’s Passport Apprenticeship program. Cece is currently pursuing a career in building and construction and is working on Sound Transit light rail in Shoreline Washington. “I would like to ride the light rail when it is finished because I can say that I had a little bit to do with getting it built,” she said. 

While she hadn’t originally considered a career in the trades, she realized that there were a lot of opportunities, especially through ANEW. “There are a lot more career paths you can go into without going to college. We need people to build things,” she shared. 

Photo of Cece Thompson

Cece Thompson

Cece also encouraged current high school students to become advocates for themselves. “If you need help, ask for it. You never know what someone could help you with. It could be the smallest thing ever or it could be a big problem you are facing. You just never know what resources someone else can help you access. Never be scared to ask and speak up for yourself. We’ve all been through a lot, just don’t ever give up. There’s always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” said Cece

Presentations also included information about the Passport to Careers scholarship, apprenticeship opportunities, and details regarding financial aid. 

The Washington Passport Networking hosted the event in partnership with ANEW, Bellingham Public Schools, Bellingham Technical College, College Success Foundation, Everett Community College, Northwest Indian College, Treehouse, Secret Harbor, Skagit Valley College, Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families, Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, and Youthnet.

National Research Collaborative for Foster Alumni and Higher Education (NRC-FAHE) Webinar Series Announcement

“Many youth in the child protection system abruptly lose support from the State when they reach the age of majority, regardless of their readiness or emotional and financial needs. In Canada, this is due to provincial and territorial legislation that mandates child welfare agencies to release youth from their care at the age of majority. This pattern of aged-based service removal leads to traumatic transitions to adulthood and negative outcomes for youth exiting care, including a heightened risk for homelessness, poverty, undereducation, and mental health issues. COVID-19 and the socio-economic upheaval associated with the pandemic exacerbated the already precarious situation of young people in and from care in the country.

In March 2020, First Voice Advocates and key allies from across Canada joined forces to advocate for moratoriums on transitions from care during the COVID-19 pandemic; as a result, many provinces and territories issued temporary moratoriums or emergency measures allowing youth to remain in their placements and/or continue to receive supports past the age of majority. These measures opened up opportunities to re-think the transition to adulthood for youth in care in a more equitable way as we enter a phase of pandemic recovery. Drawing upon past Canadian reports as well as the expertise of youth with lived experience from across the country, Dr. Doucet and the National Council of Youth in Care Advocates developed the Equitable Standards for Transitions to Adulthood for Youth in Care. These standards provide long-term solutions to support youth in care across eight transitions to adulthood pillars. The overarching goal is to ensure that youth in care are afforded the same standard of support and opportunities for success as they transition to adulthood as their peers who are not in the child protection system, while also recognizing the inherent traumatic impact of child removals and separation from families of origin. The Equitable Standards aim to ensure that every youth in care receives equitable level of supports and services no matter where they live in Canada. This presentation will provide an overview of the Equitable Standards, with a particular focus on the transition to adulthood pillar #2: Educational and Professional Development to provide insights on how to equitably support young people from care who are pursuing higher education.”

Please join us for the National Research Collaborative for Foster Alumni and Higher Education (NRC-FAHE)’s webinar series! This series features presentations from leaders in the field of foster care and higher education. Content will be appropriate for researchers and practitioners alike. The February webinar will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 11am-noon Pacific time (2-3pm Eastern time). The presenter will be Dr. Melanie Doucet, Adjunct Professor at McGill University School of Social Work and Senior Researcher & Project Manager, Child Welfare League of Canada, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Her presentation is entitled Equitable Standards for Transitions to Adulthood for Youth in Care: A Canadian First Voice Advocate-led initiative.

February Webinar Registration Link:  https://wsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtc-CgqTIjHdHmZQj5xqey42tunI2_cILA

2022 Passport to Careers State Conference Highlights

Over 180 people came together virtually on April 19-20 for this year’s Passport to Careers State Conference. The conference focused on what it means and looks like to cultivate fortitude – especially in partnership with people we serve, who have experienced foster care or unaccompanied homelessness. Let’s start by defining “fortitude”:

Fortitude
Noun | for·ti·tude | \ ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \
Definition of fortitude:
1: strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage
2: STRENGTH

Fortitude is something the people we serve embody every day; they are surviving in the face of adversity. Arguably, we may be able to learn from them even more than they can learn from us. One goal of the conference was to incorporate and center the voices of people with lived experience. Thus, lived experience voice was weaved throughout the conference, from the keynotes to some of the workshop and learning session presenters.

Session topics included self-care, trauma and resilience, and empowerment, among others. Click here to explore more.

Many attendees shared how powerful the keynote speeches were. Each keynote speaker shared from their lived experiences, in order for us to use that knowledge to improve in our work. Although there were many highlights from the presentations and conversations over the course of the two days, this blog focuses on the lived experts as their remarks were so impactful.

Day One Keynote: Yvonne-Monique Aviva
In her keynote, Yvonne-Monique humbly reminded us that we live in a culture dominated by spaces where we are expected to suppress certain parts of ourselves in order to be accepted. While that may seem trivial to a lot of people, the inability to be one’s whole self specifically attacks and further isolates people that are struggling to survive, especially those experiencing foster care.

Yvonne-Monique unpacked part of her experience of being separated from the family she grew up with and waking up in a stranger’s home. She emphasized how that experience is often accompanied with layers of complexity and grief that is impossible for the person experiencing it to ignore.
Yvonne-Monique challenged us with a question:

“Who do young people experiencing foster care belong to?”

It is a potent question to ponder, because it’s not just about who people experiencing foster care legally belong to. It’s about the lack of societal infrastructure to support and humanize people experiencing foster care, compounded by the fact that just about everyone in the youth’s life is receiving payment.

Losing people we love is immeasurably agonizing, even for adults. It’s hard to even imagine a child being physically removed from the people and places in their life that often are most meaningful and familiar to them. Who and what are they left with?

With tears in her eyes, Yvonne-Monique candidly explained, “we are hurting and we are not allowed to tell you because it makes you uncomfortable… You are creating barriers preventing us from being able to show up.” The room was silent as people tried to reckon with and understand that truth. She reminded us that “grief is unapologetically intimate.”

Yvonne-Monique described that if we don’t allow people who experienced foster care to show up as their whole self – including the parts of themselves that are grieving – we are just another person showing them they are unworthy of anyone being willing to hold their reality with them.

Providing us with some relief, Yvonne-Monique then told us a memorable example of a time she felt supported by a colleague. Someone told her, “When there’s a tornado and you are in a tornado zone, you open the windows so the storm can move through. You have to remember to open the windows and that you are not the storm; you are telling us the storm is coming.” It was a beautiful reminder that we need to co-create the capacity to hold truth, pain, compassion, and humanity by “handling our own discomfort”, and that we need to “tell the truth and let other people tell the truth”.

In summary, Yvonne-Monique shared that “cultivating fortitude means [shifting power to young people] so they can drive us to new futures.” She continued on to say, “I promise you that our young people know the way.” She challenged us to consider that the role we get paid to play and are measured on is not always in the best interest of the people we are trying to support.

Yvonne-Monique’s remarks moved all of us. Somebody get this woman a TED talk already!

Day Two Keynote Panelists: Courtney Canova, Katie Buxton, Janell Braxton, and Zematra Bacon
In our special keynote session on day two, we heard from three panelists and one moderator (all with lived foster care or unaccompanied homelessness experience) about the type of support they found meaningful. Unsurprisingly, what we heard from the panelists tied in beautifully with Yvonne-Monique’s remarks. As we listened, we noticed a theme: each person emphasized the importance of support that went beyond educational goals, but was rooted in relationships. Each panelist shared information and takeaways they believe is important for providers to understand as they strive to support youth and young adults with these shared identities:

      • We generally feel more invested when we have someone that supports and encourages us as a whole person, not just parts of ourselves
      • Meet us where we are – get to know us and what our priorities are
      • Some of our experiences have long-lasting impacts that come up in everyday life
      • We can do everything right but still not have what we need
      • We know best about what we need and our goals may not be your goals for us

Onward and Upward
The annual Passport to Careers State Conference provides a platform for participants to share recommended practices, acquire skills, knowledge, and resources that advance professional development and enhance program impact, and inspire one another with stories of success and ideas for innovation.

When we asked attendees how they plan on cultivating fortitude in their role, here are some of the responses they shared:

      • “Connecting with the human first, before the ‘work’”
      • “Centering the work will make for more effective, sustainable and invigorating programs. Being led by that impacted builds REAL fortitude so we aren’t causing harm, but supporting healing”
      • “Being in the moment with the student. Listening to them.”

We’re excited to maintain our inspirational momentum with continuing our webinar series. We are thrilled to host a team of Lived Experience Advisors and Think of Us partners at our webinar series on May 25, 2022 from 2-3pm to share about the “Vision for the Future” they created for how they want the foster care system to look and feel for their younger peers. Please check our events calendar for more information.

College Success Foundation and the Washington Student Achievement Council are grateful for all who helped make the conference a success. Thank you so much!

Join us for the 2022 Passport to Careers State Conference!

The 2022 virtual, multi-session Passport to Careers State conference!

This year’s conference will take place on April 19-20 and will include workshop presentations, a keynote speaker, several panel discussions, and much more! You will be able to sign up for as many workshop sessions as you’re able to attend.

*Registration for this event has now closed. Please contact passport@collegesuccessfoundation.org for more information.*​

Quick info:

  • 2022 Passport to Careers State Conference
  • April 19-20
  • Virtual via Zoom
  • $40 registration fee. If the registration fee is a barrier, financial support is available. Contact us for more information.
  • Contact us at passport@collegesuccessfoundation.org or (425) 417-3072 with any questions.

Workshop info:

This year’s conference will include track one and track two workshops. Track one workshops may include overviews and introductions for newer Passport professionals. Track two workshops may include skill-building exercises, hands-on practice, or advanced content “deep-dives”. This two-track experience was recommended by conference attendee feedback and members of the Passport Leadership Team. Those who have registered will receive Zoom links specific to each session the Monday before the conference.

Read about the workshops and view the schedule

Keynote info:

This conference will have two keynote sessions!

Yvonne-Monique Aviva:
Yvonne-Monique became a ward of the state at 5 years old, was reunited with her family at six, and then permanently returned to state care at age eleven. Aviva is the founder of Parent Tool School, where through engagement and humor, common adolescent challenges are transformed into triumphs within families and organizations. She has worked with school districts, private sector organizations such as Microsoft and Starbucks, and, youth-serving agencies. She has been featured on NPR, ParentMap Magazine and has trained educators at the US Naval Sea Cadet Academy and across the Pacific Northwest. Yvonne-Monique Aviva currently works as Program Director of Young Adult Services at Treehouse for Kids.

Lived Experience Panel:
In this special keynote session, we will hear from four panelists and one moderator with lived foster care or unaccompanied homelessness experience about the type of support they have found meaningful. This panel reflects the diverse identities of people who have experienced foster care or unaccompanied homelessness to provide a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Read more about the keynote sessions!

2020 Passport to Careers State Conference – Recap, Videos, and Materials

We would like to express our gratitude to those who were able to join us for our first ever virtual conference! We are delighted to share with you recorded versions of the workshops and keynote speeches alongside their relevant documents. Please feel free to download and share this information with your contacts who may be interested!

This year’s conference brought us together in a time of physical distance. We were connected through our workshops and keynote speeches, but also through our conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement, equity in the work, the COVID-19 response, and our regional collaboration. If you were able to attend, we hope you connected with others who support students from foster care or unaccompanied homelessness in graduating from high school and pursuing their college and career aspirations.

The conference is intended to provide a platform for participants to share recommended practices, acquire skills, knowledge, and resources that advance professional development and enhance program impact, and inspire one another with stories of success and ideas for innovation.

The Washington Passport Network team left the conference feeling inspired. We’re excited to maintain our momentum with upcoming webinars. Please check our calendar for more information!

The 2020 Passport to Careers State Conference was a wonderful experience, and we are sincerely grateful for the work you do. We look forward to seeing you again.

 

Conference Materials and Recorded Videos

Kickoff and Keynote Speech with George Duvall

Watch the keynote speech with George Duvall.
Read about George Duvall 

Keynote Speech with Jamerika Haynes-Lewis

Watch the keynote speech with Jamerika Haynes-Lewis
Download Jamerika’s PowerPoint presentation
Read about Jamerika Haynes-Lewis

Diving Deeper: Working with Tribal Foster Youth

Watch Diving Deeper: Working with Tribal Foster Youth on YouTube
Download the PowerPoint presentation

Getting Unstuck: Maintaining Relationships with Students

Watch Getting Unstuck on YouTube
Download the PowerPoint Presentation

The Washington College Grant and Financial Aid Updates

Watch the Washington College Grant and Financial Aid Updates on YouTube
Download the PowerPoint presentation

Passport: What is It and How Does it Work?

Watch Passport: What is it and how does it work? on YouTube
Download the PowerPoint presentation

Adolescent2Adult: An Overview of Medicaid/Health Coverage for Alumni of Foster Care

Watch Adolescent2Adult: Overview of Medicaid/Health Coverage on Youtube
Download the presentation as a .PDF
Download Health Care Coordination document
Download MyHealthPays Rewards document
Download Coordinated Care Teladoc document

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care

Download the Trauma-Informed Care PowerPoint presentation

Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self Care

Watch Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self Care on YouTube
Download the Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self Care presentation as a .PDF
Download the Professional Quality of Life Scale
Download self-care ideas
Download the self-care wheel

Preparing Students for Careers: Apprenticeships

Watch Preparing Students for Careers: Apprenticeships on YouTube
Download the presentation as a PowerPoint
Download apprenticeships in Washington state as an Excel spreadsheet
Download the Game of Life
Download the Passport Postcard for 18-20 year olds
Download the ANEW enrollment form