Mentoring for Academic and Professional Success

We aim to increase the number of former foster youth earning advanced degrees and moving on into professional careers.

Mentoring for Academic and Professional Success

our mission

We help California’s former foster youth gain admission to graduate and professional schools by providing the knowledge that helps each prospective student create a competitive application.

Young adults with lived experience in foster care often face obstacles when pursuing advanced degrees. We understand these difficulties and can provide the support needed to help them succeed.

our mission

We help California’s former foster youth apply to graduate programs and professional schools by providing the knowledge and funds that help each applicant create a competitive application and succeed.

During our four years of working with alumni of care, we discovered some of the obstacles they face when pursuing advanced degrees and concurrently provided support to enable their success.

our mission

Our Alumni

JESSIE PETERSON

Barry P. Helft Appellate Fellow
Office of the State Public Defender

BA in Sociology, SFSU
Juris Doctorate, USF School of Law

Applying to law school was a challenge and I really benefited from the help of a knowledgeable mentor and support throughout the process. I received help with my personal statement and coaching on connecting with faculty and networking with professors. I also received some financial support to help pay for my LSAT-prep course. I was so excited to be accepted to the University of San Francisco School of Law, my first choice. I could not have done it without the support I received, and I will forever be grateful.

DR. SEDERIC GRANT

Resident in Pediatric Dentistry
University of Minnesota Medical Center

BA in Public Health, UC Berkeley
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), UC San Francisco

Foster care impacted my education but I was determined to succeed. I completed my undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, dental school at UCSF and I’m now working as a resident in pediatric dentistry at the University of Minnesota. There have been many, many essays to write along the way and I was happy that I could always ask for a critical review of my writing. I am very glad to be associated with MAPS as a Professional Affiliate.

DAMAREA PARKER

Assistant Director
USC Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs

BS in Computer Engineering, CSU San Bernardino
Master of Higher Education, CSU Fullerton

It was a long journey through undergrad at CSUSB and graduate school at CSUF, but I had some excellent help along the way. I was fortunate when I was applying for my Masters to receive mentoring help with my application and admission process. Knowing that there are beautiful strangers who cared so much about my success meant the world to me. I’m now giving back through participating as a mentor for MAPS. I went from Foster Care to Foster Strong!

CLAUDIA MENDEZ

Social Worker
SF City and County Family Children Services

BA in Comparative World Literature, SFSU
Master of Social Work, SFSU

Applying to graduate school seemed like an impossible goal as I did not have the strongest education growing up. But I was lucky to meet professors and mentors that believed in me. I have strong engagement skills that allow me to help vulnerable and diverse populations and I am grateful I found the assistance I needed to become a professional social worker. The support I received with my writing for the MSW application was invaluable. I will forever be grateful and look forward to paying it forward throughout my life.

VALERIE ACEVEDO

Assistant Development Manager
National Community Renaissance

BA in Anthropology, CSU Fullerton
Master of Public Policy, UC Irvine

I received guidance through the entire application process. This helped keep me on track to meet deadlines. I received a good understanding of various graduate programs and how to decide which best fit my needs and interests. I was coached in how to develop relationships with faculty, staff and students to understand each graduate program and also help build my professional network. Most helpful was the support I received on my applications and the guidance on how to clearly articulate my life, work experience, academic history and career goals.

DR. JOHN PAUL HORN

Assistant Professor of Social Work
CSU East Bay

BA in Liberal Studies, CSU Bakersfield
Master of Social Work, University of Iowa
PhD in Social Work, Boston University

I applied to eight different PhD programs over the course of three months and it was a lot of writing and preparation. Each university required something slightly different. I was very appreciative of the coaching for writing the essays, especially with some nuances about self-presentation. I also needed guidance on how to prepare for the GRE. The advice I received on using a specific low-cost preparation software was invaluable and helped me secure a competitive score for doctoral programs. The MAPS program can help many more students and I’m happy to be a mentor.

Funders and Partners

We help California’s former foster youth apply to graduate programs and professional schools by providing the knowledge each applicant needs to create a competitive application and succeed.

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CONTACT

MAPS is a California non-profit

coordinators@maps-ca.org

530-350-6580