DPSS News - August 2020

Ian Madrigal never dreamed he’d graduate from high school. Nobody else in his family had ever done so. Ian figured he would follow in their footsteps and work hard to make ends meet at a local pizza restaurant. But, instead, this June 19-year-old Ian became the first in his family to earn a high school diploma after receiving long-term mentorship and guidance through Riverside County’s Project Graduate. The project is a partnership between the Riverside County Bar Association, the Superior Court and DPSS Children’s Services. Volunteers help at-risk foster youth like Ian believe in their own potential and steer them toward graduation. Ian and another graduate went from the verge of failing or dropping out, to graduating with grade point averages of at least 3.5. Statewide just 56% of foster youth graduate from high school in contrast to 85% of all other students. Project Graduate has helped 32 high-risk students achieve their diplomas since it began in 2011. “These are the youth that would definitely fall through the cracks if it weren’t for this program,” said Sherry Jansen, Project Graduate in-house coordinator, who plans to encourage more students to participate in coming years. Project Graduate Helps Foster Youth Turn Dreams Into Diplomas

“I was going to give up because school has never really been my thing,” said Ian. “But this program kept me going and I did it.” Luis Lopez, Ian’s educational representative, got involved because he believes education is key to a brighter future. “When I heard that many of these youngsters were dropping out of high school and ending up homeless, I had to do something.” Social workers from DPSS identify foster youth who are at risk of not finishing school. The Bar Association recruits and trains members, mostly attorneys, to become court-appointed educational representatives. They volunteer to work individually with at-risk foster youth. “We mentor and advocate for these young people. We help them build resilience and plan for their future,” said Brian Unitt, a trial attorney who specializes in appellate law and who serves as chair of the steering committee for Project Graduate. The program recently recognized the accomplishments of Ian and another graduate during a virtual celebration on Zoom. During the ceremony Juvenile Court Judge Matthew Perantoni congratulated both graduates for their hard work and dedication. “There have been ups and downs along the way and I am very proud of you,” said Perantoni. The graduates each received a laptop, a check and a commemorative plaque. The young woman who graduated will be going to the college of her choice, Grambling State University in Louisiana, to study criminal justice. Madrigal plans to continue working at the pizza restaurant. He’s considering attending Riverside City College in the future. For more information on Project Graduate, please visit: www.riversidecountybar.com/foundation/project-graduate.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES