If you are thinking of applying to a four-year college or university, talk to a school counselor to make sure you are enrolled in approved, “a-g” courses. Learn more about these courses by visiting calstate.edu/how-to-get-to-calstate or ucop.edu/aggulde.

• Native speakers of a foreign language may be able to test out of introductory language courses

Review your academic record(s) throughout the year and, if you are behind in credits, identify opportuni­ties for credit recovery such as summer school, adult school, continuation school, or remaining in high school for a fifth year. Your school district must con­sult with you and your education rights holder (ERH). if you are under the age of 18, to see which option is best for you.

• If you change schools during the school year, your old school must provide the new school with all records, including an IEP or 504 Plan, regardless of any outstanding fees. Work with your school counselor or Foster Youth District Liaison to review your transcript for partial credit options.

If applicable, look into AP (Advanced Placement), International Baccalaureate (IB), and honors courses. If you are interested, speak with your teacher to learn more and, if needed, ask for a recommendation letter.

Talk with your school counselor to see if dual enrollment is right for you. Dual enrollment courses allow students to earn college credit while meeting high school graduation requirements.

Create an account at californiacolleqes.edu and update the high school education planner every semester with your grades earned. If you decide to apply to a CSU, course information will automatically transfer to your application.

Request tutoring or other supports as needed. If you struggle with learning, work with a high school counselor, Foster Youth District Liaison, or County Office of Education Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP) to help you get tutoring services.

• If you have never been diagnosed with a learning need, and want to be assessed, ask your caregiver or social worker/probation officer to submit a request letter (dredf.org/special-edu­cation/sample-letters/).

Work with your school counselor, or another trusted adult to identify which postsecondary pathway is best for your interest.

If you have a disability, request a copy of your most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan that includes your diagnosis. For youth 16 or older, the IEP should include a plan, along with goals, to support you in the transition to postsecondary. Remember, you may be eligible for services through the Department of Rehabilitation

Create a physical or online folder to store important documents and add report cards from 9th – 11th grade along with any certificates or awards earned. If you transfer to a new school, get a copy of your school record and keep it with other important documents. You can use google.com/drive to store important documents online.

Transitional Independent Living Plan & Agreement {TILP). It is important to take part In developing your TILP. The TILP must be completed every six months if you are living in out-of–home foster care and are 16 or older. It should integrate your college and career goals, including who will support you in completing the steps necessary to meet your goals.

Postsecondary Education Support Person. Social workers/probation officers must identify a postsecondary education support person(s) to assist all youth ages 16 or older who express an interest in college with completing their college applications, including career and technical education, as well as their financial aid applications.

Independent Living Program (ILP). Connect with your social worker/probation officer or localILP to determine your eligibility and to learn more abut the resources and activities ILP provides. Each county’s program varies. Find a statewide ILP roster at: jbay.org/resourc­es/llp-roster/.

10th Grade (optional): Work with your school counselor to request a fee waiver to register for the PSAT, a practice exam for the SAT, or the ACT Aspire Test, a practice exam for the ACT in the fall semester.

Check with your school counselor or foster youth district liaison to find out about SAT or ACT test prep courses available throuh the school.

Check with your social worker/probation officer about any funding available to help pay for these courses.

Child & Family Team (CFT) Meeting. This is YOUR meeting. The CFT meeting brings together a group of people, including you, to help make the best plans for your safety, well-being, and future. A meeting should happen at least every six months. You can invite your postsecondary education support person{s). teacher, counselor, coaches, and either trusted adults to your CFT meeting to help you plan for your postsecondary education and career goals.

Right to Work documents. Social workers/probation officers can assist you in gathering original Right to Work documents, and should provide copies to all youth 16 or older. Students should upload these documents into a secure electronic storage system such as ifoster.org or google.com/drive. A Social Securty Card will also be needed for U.S. citizens to apply for financial aid in the 12th grade.

      “Right to Work” Documents Needed for Employment:

• One photo ID, such as a school ID, CA State ID card,CA REALID, or driver‘s license.

• U.S. Social Security Card or Permanent Resident Card (a.k.a. Green card) if a non-us citizen.

Do college tours. Schedule a visit to a college campus or attend a college fair. These can be done in person or virtually. Eleventh graders should focus on schools they may be interested in applying to. Your local Independent Living Program (ILP or ILSP), Foster Youth district liaison, or high school counselor can be a good resource for how to best set up a college visit.

Get involved. Explore your interests by participating in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, or community service projects.

Explore interests. Take or update your career interest assessment.

Enroll in academic enrichment programs. Speak to a school counselor or Foster Youth District Liaison to learn about academic enrichment programs offered at your school or your local community.

Get work experience. Talk to your social worker or probation officer to find out more about local employment programs specificially for foster youth. Your school or social worker/probation officer can assist you in getting a work permit at age 1/1. or older. Visit laoyc.org/guides to learn more.

• Students with a documented disability may be eligible for career services through the Depart­ment of Rehabilitation.