FOSTERing School Spirit
Every student deserves to feel connected, included, and proud of their school community. The FOSTERing School Spirit (FSS) program launched in 2026 to support local youth navigating the foster care system by helping them build a stronger sense of belonging at their individual school sites throughout the academic year.
Through this program, students receive school-related items and resources designed to encourage participation, confidence, and school pride. These may include spirit wear, school supplies, activity-related items, and other essentials that help foster youth feel more connected to their classmates, campus activities, and overall educational experience.
Frequent school transitions, financial hardship, and instability can make it difficult for foster youth to participate fully in school culture. FOSTERing School Spirit aims to help remove some of those barriers by providing practical support while also reinforcing the message that these students are valued members of their school communities.
Our Goals
The FOSTERing School Spirit program seeks to:
- Promote a sense of belonging and inclusion
- Encourage school engagement and participation
- Support confidence and self-esteem
- Help students feel connected to their peers and school environment
- Provide meaningful support during times of transition
How the Program Works
Working in partnership with schools, counselors, community organizations, and supporters, this program identifies needs and provides items that help students participate more fully in school life. Assistance may vary based on student needs, school opportunities, and available resources.
We are proud to have earned the prestigious Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level awarded! Transparency is the cornerstone of trust, and we’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Click here to view the Nonprofit Report on Assistance League of Capistrano Valley provided by GuideStar Exchange. Make a difference by helping in-need single parents thrive by donating to Assistance League of Capistrano Valley. Click here to donate now.
Did You Know?
21%
In California during 2024–25, the dropout rate for foster youth was 20.7%, compared to 7.8% for non-foster youth
Ref: California Department of Education
67%
In California, the 2024–25 four-year graduation rate for students in foster care was 66.6%, compared to 87.7% for non-foster students
Ref: California Department of Education
