2024 Foster Youth and Homeless Education Symposium

2024 Foster Youth and Homeless Education Symposium

Tue Oct 29 11:22:00 PDT 2024

LACOE's Foster Youth Services and Homeless Education Program Hosted the 7th Annual Foster Youth and Homeless Education Symposium at Almansor Court in Alhambra.

Over 300 educators, district leaders, social workers and counselors across L.A. County came together to discuss foster youth and homeless education resources, challenges and best practices through this year's theme: Leading in Changing Times: Innovation, Collaboration and Empowerment.

Attendees got to join important discussions in 16 different workshops including "Empowering Students Through Compassion and Partnership," "LCAPS and Students in Foster Care" and "Advancing Equity and Wellbeing Through Mandated Reporter Reform."

They also got to hear directly from students in an insightful panel and from keynote speakers which included artist and former foster youth Mir Cortez Caceres and Marelin Marquez. Artistic collaborations such as a coloring station, inspirational quote boards and a "label table" to promote inclusivity were available throughout the day for guests to partake in.

Participation in the symposium contributes to the well-being and education of our students in foster care and experiencing homelessness.