Summer Camp Opens Career Pathways for Foster and Homeless Youth

A group of Kern County middle school students is spending part of their summer exploring hands-on career and technical education opportunities through a free two-week camp hosted by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS).

Designed specifically for foster and homeless youth, the Career Exploration Summer Camp is led by KCSOS’s College and Career team. Each day starts at the Career Lab in the STEAM Yard, where students select from 14 career pathways, each featuring interactive projects related to science, technology, engineering, art, and more math. In the afternoons, students transition to the Future Readiness Center, located in the former Bakersfield Californian building, for lunch and career exploration activities with local professionals and guest speakers.

“Foster and homeless youth don’t always have the same access to programs like these,” said Carrie Bloxom, College and Career Readiness Coordinator at KCSOS. “We wanted to create a space where these students could participate in meaningful hands-on activities and start to see what’s possible for their future.”

In addition to career exploration, the camp provides mentorship and connection as two essential supports for foster and homeless students. According to Bloxom, the camp invited several working professionals so students could hear real stories and gain insight into career pathways they may not have considered before. For students, these conversations are impactful experiences that help them in the long term. 

“For students who have experienced challenges like foster care or homelessness, being introduced to different career paths can be life-changing,” said Allyson Baptiste, a Program Coordinator for Homeless and Foster Youth Services at KCSOS. “It shows them what’s possible and helps them believe that they really can become whatever they dream of being — whether that’s a doctor, vet tech, dentist, construction worker, childcare provider, or detective.”

Baptiste also highlighted that these experiences can increase engagement in school, reduce chronic absenteeism, and lower dropout rates. 

“Giving students hands-on experiences and time hearing from real professionals not only inspires them but also helps connect school to a future they can picture for themselves,” said Baptiste.”

This focus on connection and real-world exposure reflects KCSOS’s broader commitment to making college and career preparation accessible for all students. That mission is also at the heart of the new Future Readiness Center, which served as the afternoon hub for the camp and will officially open later this fall. 

According to Kierstin Webb, Director of KCSOS’s College and Career Programs, the center will provide year-round support for students through workshops, drop-in counseling, and connections to local industries and higher education.

“The Future Readiness Center is a place for any student in Kern County to come and get support to access the future they want,” Webb said. “Whether that’s workshops on financial aid and college applications, info on apprenticeships, or one-on-one guidance, we want this to be a space where students feel supported and connected.”

Webb emphasized that the center will serve as a hub for collaboration rather than a replacement for existing school or community programs. Early pilot events, such as a healthcare academy partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine and Dignity Health, already show strong demand.

“This space is for students, but it’s also for educators, counselors and employers. We want it to be a place where everyone working to support students can come together,” she said.

As the summer camp continues, both Bloxum and Webb say the long-term goal is to keep building momentum and to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to the tools, relationships, and inspiration that can change the trajectory of their futures.