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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology

PEPPERDINE COASTAL WALK/RUN EVENT CONTINUES TO RAISES FUNDS TO SUPPORT INITIATIVES FOR LA FOSTER CHILDREN


Los Angeles – Jan 19, 2015 – Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) will hold its 6th Annual Coastal Walk/Run for Foster Youth on Saturday, Jan. 23, to raise funds for GSEP initiatives to improve the lives of foster children and adolescents in the Los Angeles area. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Coastal’s 5K, 10K, or Kids’ Dash. Additionally, keeping to the family theme, returning to the Coastal Walk/Run for Foster Youth is the Family Fun Expo, which includes food trucks, vendor booths, music, and the fun-filled KidZone.

“The Coastal Walk/Run for Foster Youth continues to embody the spirit of Pepperdine as our community of scholars, alumni, students, professionals, and friends join us for yet another year to better the lives of Los Angeles youth,” said Dean Helen Easterling Williams, EdD. “The support offered to the foster care children is inspirational and may be the catalyst to propel them toward lives filled with support, achievement, and service.”

California Bank & Trust returns for a fifth year as presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors include Watt Companies, The Promenade at Howard Hughes, Road Runner Sports, Rubio’s, US Bank, American Red Cross, Catherine Tingey, Happy Hour Body, Joan’s On Third, LA Galaxy, LA Kings, Naked Juice, Ralphs, Trader Joe’s and the YMCA.

Proceeds from the event will be used to improve the lives of foster children in Los Angeles County by providing mentorship and tutoring for foster care children through the Foster Grandparents program at GSEP, therapeutic services through Community Clinics, and academic and wellness support to L.A. County high school foster youth and their families through a college access program. Statistics have shown that California has the largest foster care population of any state in the US, with the number of foster children and adolescents having tripled in the last 20 years. Additionally, L.A. County has the highest percentage (30%) of foster youth in the state. Of those who transition out of the foster care system annually, many are unprepared for college or a career, with fewer than half gaining employment three years after their transition, due to lack of an emotional and financial support network.

To attend the Coastal Walk/Run for Foster Youth: http://bit.ly/Coastal2016

To donate in support of GSEP foster youth initiatives: https://fundraising.active.com/event/Coastal2016

About the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP)

The Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) is an innovative learning community where faculty, staff, and students of diverse cultures and perspectives work collaboratively to foster academic excellence, social purpose and personal fulfillment. Through its integrative coursework and practical training, GSEP prepares students to serve the needs of others through skilled leadership. GSEP offers six master's and four doctoral programs across its five graduate campus locations throughout Southern California and online. Programs are fully accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the American Psychological Association.

Media Contacts:

Emma Gibson | Dashaun Gasque

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

emma.gibson@pepperdine.edu | dashaun.gasque@pepperdine.edu