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In her own words, Passport student Haddie explains how her Passport student support coach, Anjilica Gonzalez, has provided guidance and support during her college journey.
I have only positive feedback for Anjilica. She has helped me so much with literally everything. She’s even helped me with things she’s not a part of or doesn’t know anything about. She has definitely been a good friend to me in general.
Anjilica Gonzalez supports Passport students—those who were in foster care or homeless without a parent or guardian—as they overcome barriers and face unique challenges. She helps them prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs.
When I first started talking to Kati about the Passport program, I was kind of iffy about it. I didn’t really understand it, and in reality, we were still getting to know each other. Over time, Kati made it a lot easier to talk to her. She kept talking to me and really tried to develop our relationship and get to know me. She always asks how I’m doing and how class is going. I was nervous when I first met her; I wasn’t used to someone actually asking me how I was doing and being so forward with me.
Kati Ortiz is a cycle-breaker. She was drawn to her work because she is committed to supporting student dreams. As a Passport student support coach, Kati provides direct assistance and college coaching to students eligible for the Passport to College program at Skagit Valley College.
“Youth need someone to listen to them, dream with them, and talk to them about what is really going on in their lives without any judgment,” Kati says. “I want to motivate students and remind them what their dreams are. Then I connect them to the resources they need.”
This National Foster Care Month, College Success Foundation remains dedicated to proactively supporting the most vulnerable student population: foster youth and alumni of foster care. These students face obstacles to thriving and succeeding in college that go well beyond academic achievement and preparing for college. Recognizing their unique challenges, we provide additional trauma-informed programs and services to help them succeed.
Dear CSF Family,
As we find ourselves in the midst of yet another storm with systemic racism at its center, I reach out to you to express my shared heartache and pain.
The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery fill me with unspeakable grief. Each of them has their own unique story but also shares a heartbreaking commonality that speaks to ongoing systemic racism. The vivid tragedy that we all witnessed has understandably sparked outrage, shock and sadness throughout our country. Although I am still trying to make sense of my own emotions, I grieve for their families first and foremost and for those who continue to suffer.
This article, written by Jay Giler of the national youth development digital media publication Youth Today was published on December 20,…
The Passport Leadership Team (PLT) is a cross-sector group of student support professionals and system leaders. About 35 members represent…
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