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September 28, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: pressoffice@acs.nyc.gov, (212) 341-0999
ACS Hosts High School Goal Weekend for Foster Care and Adopted Youth
One-On-One High School Admissions Support For Foster Care and Adopted Middle Schoolers
New York, NY - The Administration for Children’s Services, in partnership with the Department of Education’s Citywide High School Fair, hosts High School Goal Weekend, September 28th and 29th. The two-day event, held at Brooklyn Technical High School, offers high school admissions counseling to foster care and adopted youth in 7th and 8th grade.
High School Goal Weekend provides these students with one-on-one counseling sessions from New York City Department of Education Student Enrollment Counselors and trained volunteers. These middle schoolers receive help to learn about the New York City high school admissions process, including selecting and applying to high schools that meet their needs and align with their interests. The students are then guided through the Citywide High School Fair where high schools from across the city are available to answer questions.
“There is nothing more important than education for our children in foster care or those who have been adopted, and High School Goal Weekend provides them with a critical helping hand,” said Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Ronald E. Richter. “Choosing a high school can be a difficult and confusing process for any student, which is why we want to provide added assistance to our young people in foster care.”
Approximately 400 middle school students who are in foster care or recently adopted are expected to attend. Last year, 54 out of 78 participating eighth graders were matched to one of their top three choices, with 30 matching to their top choice. Another 78 seventh graders learned about the criteria for admissions to high schools that interested them.
A parent training is held during the event and foster parents receive credit towards their annual training requirement for certification. The training discusses the high school admissions process, and staff from the Office of Education Support and Policy Planning is available to address any other educational concerns. All participating youth and parents receive a free metrocard, breakfast, and lunch, as well as other great prizes.
High School Goal Weekend is made possible through funding provided by the Himan Brown Charitable Trust, as well as through the efforts of numerous volunteers.