FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2008

Contacts:  CSUSM -- Kaine Thompson (760) 445-7334
 HHSA – Tom Christianson (619) 515-6535
 
WHAT:     Historic Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between
 California State University San Marcos and
 San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency

WHEN:     9:30 AM, Wednesday, March 26, 2008
 
WHERE:    Craven Hall, 5th Floor
 President’s Conference Room
 California State University San Marcos
 222 Twin Oaks Valley Road
         San Marcos, CA 

WHO:      CSUSM President Karen Haynes
 HHSA Director Jean Shepard

(SAN MARCOS, CA -- March 21, 2008) In an effort to increase the academic success rate of foster care children, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to prepare San Diego County foster youth for entrance into the university. CSUSM President Karen Haynes and HHSA Director Jean Shepard will sign an agreement—the first serving all foster youth county-wide—which will make it possible for them to have a better chance for success.

The statistics on the educational attainment rates for foster youth are startling. Only about 1.5 percent of foster youth persist in their education after leaving foster care and graduate from college. With nearly 6,222 children in foster care in San Diego County, CSUSM and HHSA are taking steps to change this statistic of an under-represented group.

“As an engaged university, I am delighted that we are, once again, making history with this agreement to increase the educational attainment rate of foster youth,” says Haynes. “We will be creating a path for more foster youth to succeed.”

 “The percentage of foster youth who pursue post-secondary education is unfortunately low and the County of San Diego is pleased to partner with California State University San Marcos to improve those numbers says Shepard. “Earning a degree will enrich the lives of foster youth through higher levels of achievement, lifetime earnings and independence.” 

The agreement states that San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency and the Child Welfare Services will prepare the foster youth academically for the university and bring them to the campus for visits and Cal State San Marcos will guarantee their admission when they meet CSU admissions standards. To prepare for their transition into university life, CSUSM has established a program specifically to help foster youth –the ACE Scholars Services.

Joining President Haynes and Director Shepard to witness the signing are Melissa Johnson (former foster youth), Child Welfare Services (CWS) Director Mary Harris, CWS Assistant Deputy Director Patty Danon, CWS Special Services Manager Genevieve Bromley, Director of ACE Scholar Services Jim Mickelson,  CSUSM Vice President for Student Affairs Pat Worden, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Services Darren Bush, Professor John Halcon, Senior Director of Centers for Learning and Academic Support Services Lorena Meza, Director of Student Life and Leadership Dilcie Perez, and Michelle Lusting with the San Diego County Office of Education, Foster Youth Services.

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