Imperial County foster youths defy the odds

Nationwide statistics say only 50 percent of foster youth graduate high school.

On Friday, the Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program’s (IVROP) entire senior class had the opportunity to graduate. They honored these students who have defied the odds and are on the path to success.

“I wasn’t going to finish high school. I had given up and…I was just going to start working. But they kept pushing me, like my family and friends. And I’m here now, graduated,” said Victor Madueno, a graduating foster youth.

Victor is like many of the foster youths who had given up on school. Thanks to the IVROP, he plans to continue his education at Imperial Valley College. But none of it would be possible without guidance from his foster care system.

Luis Torres, IVROP Program Manager said, “We’re here to tell them that we’re here for them. We’re gonna celebrate all your accomplishments. But we want to push you into the next level.”

It’s important to celebrate a foster youth’s achievements because they didn’t have the support growing up.

Hortencia Armendariz, Calexico Unified Family Resource Center’s coordinator said, “Them being able to graduate, that is a really, really important milestone these students. And it’s a beginning of a new life for them.”

A former foster youth said she wants to help others just like her when she attends Northern Arizona University this fall.

“I have been through the foster care system. Therefore, I know what it’s like to be on the other side. So being able to help other youth who have been in the same situation as I have been,” Betsy Pino, a recent IVC graduate, said.

For Victor, graduating means anything is possible for a foster youth. “Prove everyone that I could’ve done it. That if I can do it, anyone can do it. ‘Cause I mean life is hard and you just can’t let it stop you,” Madueno said.