Helping Foster Youth Succeed

Project D.R.E.A.M.

Project D.R.E.A.M. improves the quality of education for Kern foster youth through tutoring and mentoring. The project provides junior high and high school youth residing in group homes with a fun atmosphere on the college campus of Bakersfield State University, Bakersfield where they can meet with a student tutor and get assistance with:

Math
Reading
Writing
Science
Homework Help
Studying for Exams
CAHSEE Exit Exam
College Planning

Formal tutoring programs like Project D.R.E.A.M. have been shown to be one of the most effective approaches to stabilizing educational transitions for children in foster care. In fact, students who participated in Project D.R.E.A.M. last year showed an average academic gain of one year and three months in six months of tutoring. These students also showed tremendous gains in their STAR math and reading results.

The “D.R.E.A.M.” in Foster Youth Service’s Project D.R.E.A.M. stands for “Delivering Real Education and Mentoring”. Foster Youth Services, administered by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, started Project D.R.E.A.M. to “give foster youth every opportunity to take control of their future and teach them it all starts with education”.

2009-2010 Dream Center Youth Acheivements:

78% tutoring participants experienced no change in residence placement during the school year
85% tutoring participants experienced no change in school placement during the school year
79% participants advanced to the next grade level
76% participants aged 16-18 seeking employment increased employment skill levels using the CASAS test as a measurement tool
42% participants aged 16-18 seeking employment obtained unsubsidized employment

What Happens to Foster Youth in the System?

Many foster youth don't have family or public support
Foster youth are at a higher risk of going to jail
Foster youth are at a higher risk of suffering from depression
Foster youth are at a higher risk of getting pregnant
Foster youth are at a higher risk of becoming homeless or other problems

United Way of Kern County's focus on Education through donor support helps our foster youth achieve their potential by empowering them to learn self-sufficiency through Project D.R.E.A.M. Helping foster youth make a successful transition to adulthood is another way our donors help United Way of Kern County help the community.