THE SUMMIT
April 4, 2026 | 9am – 5:00pm
University of Maryland
Adele H Stamp Student Union
3972 Campus Drive College Park, MD
MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND
About The Event
Youth in DC foster care and foster parents are invited to join us for this amazing learning and fun experience. During the event, youth will gain valuable insight into topics such as career tracks, financial management, self-care, and housing information after they exit foster care. Youth will connect with their peers, amazing speakers, and enjoy fun games and prizes. Youth will work one-on-one with career mentors who will help them identify their strengths and work through the Planning My Future workbook. Youth will receive a $200 financial incentive for completing the one-day program.
Foster parents will attend informative workshops and earn 8 credit hours toward their fostering license.
Both youth and parents must be currently enrolled in the DC Foster Care System through the DC Child and Family Services Agency.
YOUTH (Free to attend)
- Must be 16-21 and in DC foster care
- Earn $200 for attending the entire event
- Learn how to prepare for exiting foster care
- Connect with mentors and peers
- Play fun games and win prizes
PARENTS ($50 to attend)
- Earn credit hours towards your fostering license
- Learn new skills about children and parenting
- Connect with peers
- Parents and youth are not required to attend together, but are encouraged to if possible.
SPONSOR A TEEN TO ATTEND
$250 Sponsors one teen to attend the Summit.
Sponsoring a teen to attend the Foster Youth Summit is a concrete way to empower a young person with critical life skills, social support, and confidence as they prepare for adulthood. It’s an investment that has lasting personal and community impact.
MENTOR A TEEN AT THE SUMMIT
Guide youth in their career journey.
Mentors help teens identify strengths, set realistic goals, explore education and training options, and navigate practical steps like resumes, interviews, internships, and workplace expectations. Mentors must participate in supporting teens for just one day at the Summit from 9am to 5pm, and are encouraged to extend their mentoring relationship to provide continued support as teens pursue and reach their career goals for one year. Mentors must be willing to complete a background check and check in with the volunteer coordinator at least once per month.