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Academy Stay Student

AcademySTAY
BUILDING
BRIGHT

FUTURES

Where Empowerment and Opportunity Unite

About AcademySTAY

At AcademySTAY, we're dedicated to providing an environment where 18 to 24-year-old aged-out foster youth can transition into independent adulthood with safety and support. Our experienced staff and mentors are thoroughly trained in trauma-informed practices to ensure youth feel secure with us. The ideal candidate is pursuing education through university, community college, trade school, or apprenticeship and needs a safe place to live and gain the necessary life skills to go on to live the life they desire.

ABOUT US
roof of a home

MORE THAN a place to stay

We don't just provide a place to stay - we cultivate a sense of belonging by creating meaningful relationships through regularly scheduled events and activities. Each student has their own mentor to provide them with a wealth of knowledge as well as a connection to the community. 

STEPS TO SUCCESS

Our students also benefit from valuable classes which will arm them with important life skills such as financial literacy, study skills, and living in a healthy and clean environment. It provides the perfect space for these youth to take the next step toward becoming successful, independent adults.

young college student woman standing in graduation cap and gown
SERVICES

Our Programs

Housing

Education and Training

Mental Health Support

Community Building

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility Criteria

At AcademySTAY, we are dedicated to providing support and opportunities to 18-24 year old aged-out foster youth facing challenging circumstances. To qualify for our program, we consider the following criteria:

Commitment & Participation

  • Willingness to actively engage in our comprehensive program for 5 hours each week

  • Agreement to abide by program rules and guidelines

Age & Foster history

  • Individuals aged 18-24

  • In foster care after the age of 16

Presence of Risk Factors

We prioritize applicants who have experienced one or more of the following:

  • Aged out of foster care

  • Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or a person of color)

  • Identify as LGBTQ+

  • Individuals with disabilities

  • Individuals from low-income backgrounds

  • Immigrants up to 3rd generation

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Legal & Personal Conduct

  • No pending arrests awaiting adjudication

  • No current obligations that would impede full participation in the program

Independent Living Skills

  • Ability to manage personal needs such as bathing, laundry, and cooking

Housing History

  • No prior eviction due to specific reasons including:

    • Destruction of property

    • Engaging in violence

TEAM

Leadership Team

The AcademySTAY team is made up of dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping young adults succeed. Our staff includes experienced educators, trauma informed mental health professionals, and community organizers who work together to provide the best possible support for our students.

Board of Directors

Staff

Led by our Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Davidson, who brings 30 years of nonprofit experience and trauma-informed practices.

Jenny@AcademySTAY.org

Davidson-15-masked_edited.png

Jenny Davidson

CEO

How You Can Help

1. Connect & Volunteer

Thanks for reaching out!

We look forward to connecting with you.

To learn more about AcademySTAY and how you can get involved, please fill out the volunteer form or contact us at info@AcademySTAY.org!

916-248-7961

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Volunteer Opportunities 

  • Life Skills Facilitator 

  • Garden 

  • Mentors 

  • Drivers 

  • Events 

  • Ambassadors 

2. Donate

Support aged-out foster youth pursuing higher education by providing stable housing and educational assistance. Your donation makes a profound difference, offering them a safe home while they focus on their studies. Join us in empowering these resilient individuals to reach their full potential. Donate today and transform lives.

Make a donation

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3. Sponsorships

Corporate Sponsorships are available. If your organization would like to get involved and help support student youth in the community via AcademySTAY, email info@AcademySTAY.org and we will help determine the best ways your organization can sponsor one of our programs or services.

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