On March 26, Pivotal joined fellow members of The Foster Youth Pre-College  Collective (tFYPC) in Sacramento for Advocacy Day. This opportunity enabled youth advocates to connect directly with California state legislators and elevate the voices and needs of foster youth across the state. 

Highlighting the Data: Destination Graduation Report 

Pivotal’s Director of Program Partnerships, Ashley Matysiak, MSW, and CEO Matt Bell introduced policymakers to the mission and impact of both Pivotal and the Foster Youth Pre-College Collective (tFYPC). Together, they shared findings from Destination Graduation, a 2024 publication by the Collective that outlines the systemic barriers foster youth face in accessing and completing higher education. 

One of the report’s central takeaways is the power of highly relational, customized interventions to help foster youth succeed. This approach is at the heart of Pivotal’s model. 

tFYPC Blog Quote

Through consistent, one-on-one coaching, we help scholars navigate the structural and emotional barriers that often stand in the way of educational progress. The results speak volumes: 84% of our 12th-grade scholars are expected to graduate high school, and 88% of those graduates are on track to enroll in post-secondary programs. By investing in long-term relationships and individualized support, Pivotal is bringing the vision of Destination Graduation to life, proving that with the right guidance and resources, foster youth can thrive. 

Turning Data into Action: A Day at the Capitol 

Ashley and Matt met with public leaders including Jessica Langtry from the Assembly Committee on Human Services, staff from Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens’ office, and Senator Dave Cortese along with his Legislative Aide, Ashonte Smith. These meetings created meaningful opportunities to share the lived experiences of our scholars, spotlight the work of Pivotal, and advocate for targeted support and policy changes that make a real difference. 

This day of advocacy would not have been possible without the incredible support and coordination from the National Center for Youth Law. Their leadership ensured that tFYPC members could speak with a united voice and deliver impactful messages to key decision-makers. Pivotal was proud to stand alongside other collective leaders, including Lyndsey C. Wilson, CEO of First Star Inc.; Matt Strieker, CEO of United Friends of the Children; and Lydia Cincore-Templeton, Esq., President and CEO of Children, Youth, and Family Collaborative. 

At Pivotal, we remain committed to creating systems of change and empowering foster youth to achieve their education and career goals. We’re grateful to be a part of coalitions like tFYPC, and even more grateful for the opportunity to represent our scholars in spaces where key decisions are made.