The mission of California Youth Connection (CYC), a youth-led organization, is to develop leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change.
Our vision is that all foster youth will be equal partners in contributing to all policies and decisions made in their lives. All youth in foster care will have their needs met and the support to grow into healthy and vibrant adults. Learn more about our community!
Check out CYC’s own Christina Parker and Jordan Sosa guest star on the financial paid podcast with the California Student Aid Commission!
For more information on the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), visit https://www.csac.ca.gov.
Ways to get involved in our community
Are you age 14-24 1) have lived experience in the foster care or juvenile justice systems and 2) are between the ages of 14-24? You can become a CYC member by submitting a membership interest form. Learn more information about CYC membership and chapters.
Learn more about what it takes to be a CYC member by watching this orientation video!
Are you 25 years old + and want to work alongside youth in systems change work? CYC is a unique youth-adult partnership that mobilizes system-impacted young people and adult supporters in community advocacy around issues in youth-serving systems. Learn more about how you can support your local CYC members.
Are you an agency or organization that serves young people impacted by youth-serving systems? Learn about how you can provide child welfare professionals with quality youth-centered trainings around youth development and socio-emotional growth.
Not accepting requests for trainings again until 2023.
California Youth Connection provides youth members a platform to engage with decision makers in statewide policy and legislative change. Learn more about this year’s policy and legislative agenda.