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. 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.

What is the need: Foster Youth are much more at risk of dropping out of school than their peers. They may experience financial barriers to participation in school-wide activities and clubs. They may have a hard time feeling connected at school and they may experience chronic absenteeism as a result.

What does ALCV do: In partnership with the liaison for Foster Youth at CUSD, ALCV provides approved school-related items and opportunities to form deeper connections with their site, staff and peers such as ASB cards, school spirit wear and extracurricular supplies.

What are the intended results: Foster Youth will feel more included and connected to their school communities and are better able to participate in the experiences that contribute to a sense of belonging.  It is a small gesture, but it is hoped this in combination with other efforts at CUSD will result in decreased absenteeism and lower the drop-out rate within this population.

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