Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Matthew Hughes The benefit strives to provide services such as housing and scholarships to emancipated foster youth. [Click to enlarge]

Most college students can't imagine a childhood spent in foster care, but for a select few Sacramento State students, it's a reality.

In order to raise more awareness and funds for the program, the sixth annual Foster Youth Education Fund hosted "Dancin' in the Streets" Fashion Show and Tea Sept. 30 in the University Union Grand Ballroom.

Sac State's Guardian Scholars program, which celebrated its first year on campus in June, currently provides academic support services to 19 emancipated foster youth this semester as they transition out of the foster care system and into a university.

With help from the program, former foster youth can receive services aimed at making the dream of a college degree a reality.

The non-profit organization is expected to net $40,000 through donations, ticket sales, and a silent auction, according to organizers.

More than 350 people enjoyed tea in the ballroom as foster youth modeled clothes donated by Macy's in a center stage fashion show.

"It's a great event to raise awareness about the program and Sac State prides itself on the partnership to gain more funds for the program," said Joy Salvetti, program director of Guardian Scholars at Sac State.

Proceeds for the event will be divided among other Sacramento area groups involved in helping foster care youth, while Sac State's Guardian Scholars program will also receive a portion of the money raised, Salvetti said.

"Since the program is in its first year, the funding base is what we are working on growing to gain more financial support for the program," she said.

"We're very proud of our Guardian Scholars Program, especially the fund. The programs we support are very important because the foster care system does a lot to aide youth, but its goal isn't to get them into college," said Joseph Sheley, Sac State provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

Sheley said that's where Guardian Scholars steps in and provides support to college-bound foster youth.

"Guardian Scholars is crucial to the students so we can provide services such as housing and scholarships to emancipated foster youth," he said. "The program tries to maximize various community and university support services for a group of bright students who don't come from backgrounds which actively and daily encourage college attendance. After foster care, their support services evaporate. We hope the program connects former foster youth to this institution."

Lana Saipaia can be reached at lsaipaia@statehornet.com

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