About California Youth Connection

California Youth Connection, more commonly referred to as CYC, is a youth-led organization. Our movement is led by young people, CYC members, aged 14-24 who have been impacted by the foster care and intersecting systems.

Founded in 1988, CYC has a legacy of thousands of members who have helped pass over 50 laws and policy changes aimed at improving the lives of California’s foster youth.

Support CYC This Giving Tuesday!

To support our ongoing work throughout the state of California, CYC is participating in Giving Tuesday fundraising. Giving Tuesday is known as the “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” CYC’s young members, system-impacted youth aged 14-24, fiercely advocate to transform the child welfare system to create brighter futures for young people impacted by these systems.

Your Donation Will be DOUBLED

Thanks to our friends at Rize Credit Union, all donations made on December 2, 2025 will be matched up to $2,000.

CYC’s Founding: The Power of Lived-Experience

California Youth Connection was founded by 17 foster youth and adult allies who were determined to change the harsh realities that awaited youth exiting the foster care system. Our founding youth realized child welfare policies were made without their input, which lead to poor outcomes for young people leaving the foster care system at 18. They organized their peers across California to advocate for policy changes - starting with the issue of securing drivers licenses. Steadily, the group began to establish local chapters throughout California, creating a solid foundation of advocacy and growth.

CYC Today

Today, California Youth Connection is active in 30 chapters across the state and 200 members strong. Our organization has become far more than legislative advocacy. CYC is a promise to foster youth that their voices will always be heard. CYC is a community where young people impacted by child welfare systems can come together as their authentic selves and empower one another. CYC has created a powerful community where youth can find their voice, their power, and truly unlock their leadership potential.

Building Community: CYC Conferences

Our two interlinked conferences, the Summer Leadership and Policy Conference (SLPC) and the Day at the Capitol Conference (DAC), provide spaces for putting into action our dual goals of empowering youth and improving the systems that impact them. At SLPC members explore solutions to issues identified by the chapters and selected by the California Youth Connection Youth Board and propose a set of policy recommendations. Six months later CYC members travel to Sacramento for Day at the Capitol (DAC), where they meet with California legislators - advocating for our sponsored bills.

Day at the Capitol

Day at the Capitol (DAC) has resulted in the passage of over 50 laws and policy changes that have profoundly improved the lives of children and youth in foster care. This Giving Tuesday, all donations raised will go towards Day at the Capitol, which is set to happen March 5 - March 9, 2025. During this 4 day event, CYC youth members are trained on the California legislative process and have the opportunity to meet with members of the California legislature to discuss their ideas for improving the foster care and juvenile justice systems.

This CYC signature event is important because it teaches youth about the legislative process while showing them the power of their lived-experience. Youth members learn about CYC’s sponsored bills, and gather support from key legislators.

Give Today. Change Tomorrow.

Your support of CYC is an investment in youth power. You are ensuring that system-impacted youth are required at the decision making table. Young people who are impacted by the foster care and intersecting systems know first-hand what works in the system and what doesn’t. Their voices and experiences should always inform the systems that directly impact their lives.

Your support helps to ensure CYC’s legacy will live for generations to come.

Give with confidence.

Invest in Youth Power

Giving Tuesday 2025

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