In collaboration with San Diego County, the Sweetwater Union High School District is set to launch a new Pilot Program for Foster Youth students in the district.

On average, foster youth are assigned a social worker responsible for students safety and basic needs. With the new program, each student will be assigned an additional social worker focusing on their educational needs in collaboration with their family, teachers and counselors.

“As a district we are excited about what possibilities this program will bring for our students,” said Mariana Gomez, Program Manager for Equity, Culture, Support Services. “It is our hope this will increase academic success of our foster youth students.”

The annual graduation numbers are staggering when it comes to foster youth in San Diego County. With that said, the Sweetwater District and San Diego County are in hopes this new pilot program will effectively turn those numbers around.

The three-year program will pilot at Castle Park Middle School and Castle Park High School with an educational focus for foster youth. “It’s been proven that students who experience trauma; that directly impacts their academic outcomes,” said Gomez.

According to Supervisor Greg Cox, his hope is that this program levels the playing field for foster youth in San Diego County. If the program does well, Cox plans to expand to other districts in the county.

“Often times, students in the foster care system fall under the radar. It is our hope this partnership will really help our students experiencing hardships in all areas, but specifically academics.” The program is set to begin this fall.