Sky Celine Page, a 20-year-old student, found herself at a crossroads when she first entered college. Having navigated through a tumultuous childhood in the foster care system, school was not always a top priority for her. Moving between different homes during her high school years left her feeling disconnected and overwhelmed, leading to poor academic performance in her initial semesters of college.
The challenges faced by transition-age youth like Page are not uncommon. In Los Angeles County alone, about 1,000 young adults age out of the foster system each year, according to a 2024 report from the California Policy Lab. These individuals often lack stable housing, with only a limited number of housing slots available to them. This housing instability can have a detrimental impact on their education, mental health, and overall well-being.
Recognizing the need to support transition-age foster youth, a collaboration between Pasadena City College, Pasadena Community Foundation, and First Place for Youth was established. This partnership aims to provide housing and resources to young adults like Page, helping them transition successfully into adulthood. The opening of a rent-subsidized apartment complex near the college campus in August 2024 marked a significant step in this initiative, with additional units currently in development.
For students like Page, this housing opportunity has been life-changing. No longer burdened by the uncertainty of where she will sleep each night, Page now enjoys a fully-furnished studio apartment decorated in her favorite shades of pink. With school supplies scattered across her desk, she has found a sense of stability and peace that was once elusive.
Page’s journey to stability and academic success was not without its challenges. Growing up in the foster care system, she faced adversity at a young age. The loss of her mother at six, followed by a tumultuous living situation with her father and stepmother, left her feeling isolated and unsupported. It wasn’t until she opened up to a teacher about her home life that she was able to find the help and resources she needed to thrive.
Navigating through multiple foster placements and academic disruptions, Page remained determined to complete her education. Despite facing stigma and self-doubt as a foster youth, she persevered and found solace in her studies. Through internships and virtual schooling, she discovered a passion for the sciences, setting her on a path towards a degree in health sciences and a career in nursing.
The impact of stable housing on Page’s academic performance and overall well-being cannot be understated. With the support of her educational adviser at Pasadena City College, she has been able to focus on her studies and personal growth without the added stress of unstable housing or financial worries. The collaborative efforts of the college, community foundation, and youth organization have provided her with the opportunity to thrive and pursue her dreams.
As Page reflects on her journey from couch surfing at 18 to thriving in her own apartment at 20, she acknowledges the resilience and strength that have carried her through the toughest of times. Her story serves as a testament to the power of community support and the transformative impact of stable housing on the lives of transition-age foster youth.
Moving forward, Page remains committed to her education and personal growth, grateful for the opportunities that have come her way. Her journey is a reminder that with the right support and resources, young adults like her can overcome adversity and build a brighter future for themselves. In her own words, “If I wasn’t here, and I didn’t have the opportunity to not pay rent, I probably wouldn’t be in school.”
