Host: Matt Watson

Guests: Carolyn Olsen, Andi Palmatier

Today, on Eye On The Valley, your host Matt Watson welcomes Carolyn Olsen in studio.  Carolyn is the Cofounder and Executive Director of Fostering Youth Independence, FYI. Carolyn and her team at FYI focus on post or secondary education for foster youth ages 16-25. She was inspired to start FYI when she realized that foster youth are generally left on their own after they leave the state system at 18 years old.  Founded in 2017, FYI works with the College of the Canyons, Hart District and the Department of Children Services to find youth who may need guidance, be it socially, educationally or emotionally.  FYI accepts adult volunteers to serve as an “ally” for the youth as Carolyn discusses their not having a permanent home, but also things like birthday celebrations and graduation parties that so many of us take for granted. The Ally program gives the foster youth a friend in an adult, someone who is there to support them, ask them about their day and be their friend.  In 2023, FYI fostered 100 hundred youth and of those, saw over 50 enroll in college or trade schools. They offer programs for financial learning, mental health, learn to drive programs and more. A training session for potential allies is coming up April 16^th. Go to fyifosteryouth.org for more information on their services and how you may help.

In the second hour of Eye On The Valley, Matt talks with Andi Palmatier, an education facilitator at iLead Exploration, SCVi’s homeschool program.  Andi and Matt talk about the benefits of the program which offers families the flexibility they need while meeting the educational needs of their learners. The facilitators work with the family to give support as needed, offering PBL or project-based learning.  The projects are a great opportunity to get the learners away from a typical classroom and offer hands-on learning.  Socially, learners are offered local field trips and meet ups where they can befriend other kids.  Additionally, learners can participate in book clubs, games, sports and many other varieties of clubs.  Andi talks about some great programs offered  such as Ready To Rise, a baking and math course and Create Art where young learners use shapes to recreate famous works of art.  Learners are challenged to debate on keeping historical landmarks unbothered in a program that helps build leadership skills.  If you are in one of five San Bernardino, Kern, Ventura, OC and LA counties you are able to enroll in iLead Exploration.  Go to ileadexploration.org and click on “enroll” for more information.  A lottery will be held to secure your child’s place in the program.

 SCVi and iLead network of charter schools with campuses in Agua Dulce, Lancaster and Castaic as well as online learning.  Go to ileadschools.org

Previous Episode: Eye On The Valley –Kate Wolfe, Bridge To Home – February 16, 2024

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