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

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.

If you haven’t already done so, create a physical or online folder to store important documents and add report cards from 12th grade along with any certifi­cates or awards earned. You can use google.com/drive to store important documents online.

Develop a system to safely store all login usernames and passwords. You will be creating new accounts in the college and financial aid application process.

Create an email address that is only for college and financial aid appUcation information. Avoid using a high school email address since those often expire once you graduate.

If you are interested in applying to a four-year college or university, begin working on your personal statement during the spring or summer before your senior year. Take time to review your essay with your school counselor or other trusted adults. UC applica­tions open as early as August 1st. Learn more in the 12th-grade checklist: jbay.org/resources/ed-plan­ning-gulde/.

Develop a list of colleges you want to apply to.

• If you are interested in applying to a four-year college or university and have taken the necessary courses, work with your school coun­selor to make a list of colleges that include both colleges that you are likely to be accepted to (“safety schools”) and “reach schools” that have more competitive entrance requirements.

• If you are interested in community college, explore which colleges have the programs you are interested in.

Schedule tours/informational interviews to help narrow down choices and learn more about available services. Schedule an in·person or virtual visit to a college campus or attend a college fair to explore options. Visit cacollegepathways.org for more information.

Photo ID, such as a CA State ID card, CA REAL ID or driver’s license

U.S. Social Security Card or Permanent Resident card (aka Green Card) if a non-US Citizen

Original birth certificate

Verification letter (dependent/ward of the court letter) to access foster youth benefits in college

Transitional Independent Living Plan & Agreement (TILP). If you are living in out-of-home foster care and are 16 years or older, the TILP is a form that must be completed every six months to guide the activities that you, your social worker/probation officer, and other adults will work on to support your transition to adulthood. The TILP should reflect your goals, including college and career goals, and should specifiy which adults wilt 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 foster 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.

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 other trusted adults to your CFT meeting to help you plan for your postsecondary education and career goals.

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

Housing options. Work with your social worker/proba­tion officer or ILP coordinator to explore your housing options. If you are eligible for Extended Foster care
(EFC), you may have multiple housing options. Make sure to start making a housing plan six to nine months prior to graduation.

Vital documents. social workers/probation officers can assist you in gathering original vital documents, and should provide copies to all youth 16 and older. Make sure to upload these documents into a secure electronic storage system such as ifoster.org or google.com/drive.

Explore interests. Take or update your career interest assessment.

Participate in extracurriculars. Find activities you en­joy, like sports, clubs, or volunteering. Participating in these activities can help you explore interests, build skills, and strengthen college and job applications!

Get work experience. If you are under the age of 18 and still enrolled in high school, you will need a work permit to get a job. Your school counselor or social worker/probation officer can assist in getting a work permit. Visit laoyc.org/guides to learn more about getting your first job.

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

Students interested in attending four-year universities. Talk to a high school counselor to make sure you are enrolled in approved “a-g” coursework and on track to apply to a four-year college or universi­ty. Learn more about these courses by visiting calstate.edu/how-to-get-to-calstate or ucop.edu/agguide. Don’t worry though if you haven’t taken “a-g” classes in high school. You can go to community college first and transfer to a university!

Request tutoring or other supports as needed. If you struggle with your classes, 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 and/or complete an assessment for additional support.

Talk with your school counselor to see if you are a good candidate for dual enrollment. Dual enrollment courses allow students to earn college credit while meeting

Create an account at californiacolleges.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.

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. An ERH can be a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult who will represent your interests when making decisions about your education.

• If you are not on track to graduate high school by June, work with your ERH to explore options such as staying in high school for a fifth year, graduation exemptions for foster youth (AB167/216). or getting a high school equivalen­cy certificate (i.e., GED, or HISET).
• If you change schools during the school year, your old school must provide the new school with all records regardless of any outstanding fees. Work with your school counselor or Foster Youth District Liaison to review your transcript for partial credit options.

Optional (fall semester only): Sign up to take or retake the SAT and/or ACT. If possible, register for an earlier test date so you have a chance to take the exam again if desired. The SAT and ACT are no longer required for admission to the CSUs or UCs, however, some private universities and out-of-state colleges still require the exam(s) as part of their admissions process.

• To learn more about when to register for the SAT go to satsulte.collegeboard.org. For the ACT go to act.org.
• Ask your high school counselor for a fee waiver for the exam and about any test prep courses available through the school.
• Ask your social worker/probation officer about funding available to help pay for the prep courses.