The Rotary Club of Antelope Valley supported the Antelope Valley Union High School District’s 11th Annual Independent City Day on May 2, 2026. The Independent City event is a mock city where foster youth simulate emancipation and living on their own.
Over 140 Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD) Foster Youth and Homeless Youth were randomly selected and given an adult profile which included: Level of Education (less than HS Diploma - Bachelor’s Degree), Career/Job (based on education), Income (one month’s salary, including a budget for the month), and Family Status (single, married, children etc.). An even number of student clusters, identified by colors (folders), were identified. Every cluster had a mentor to help them navigate the city which included these stations: City Hall (Mayor, Sheriff, Clerk), County Office (DMV, ILP, Health Care, Cal-Fresh), Bank (application to open an account, credit information, direct deposit), Housing (rental agreement application, mortgage/loan information), Transportation (bike, bus passes, slick-rick the used car salesman), General Store Entertainment, Food, Clothing), and Post-Secondary Options.
The Goals of Independent City were to be as realistic as possible by using community volunteers who actually work in the areas represented in the IC, to sign off the student’s profile as they completed tasks at each station, and to award prizes to students who navigated the entire city and stayed within their budget.
The students all did exceptionally well at the event. Prizes were awarded to the students and everyone came away with a better understanding of what it takes to live and work within their community as an adult.
