Among Us

Stories of complexity, resilience and progress: The state of the foster care system in the US.


Foster youth are often invisibilized as they navigate education systems, the effects of structural racism, challenges of poverty and homelessness. This season, we explore the inner workings of the foster care system with those working within it and the students impacted by it. 


Among Us from UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of Schools uplifts the experiences of youth furthest from opportunity, and uncovers how systems and structures both in and out-of-school are either helping or harming young people. Through conversations with community leaders, scholars, advocates, and youth who have persevered, we examine the barriers preventing students from thriving—and what we all can do about it.

Geneva Sum

Geneva Cegelis Sum is Communications Director at UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of Schools, where she manages branding, creative direction, communications strategy & deliverables, and public & media relations. Geneva has a passion for empowering historically marginalized young people to transform their lives and communities through education and creativity. She has mentored and led photography and creativity workshops for transitional youth and adults in Los Angeles, liberated child brides in Bangladesh, Syrian refugees in Beirut, and sex trafficking survivors in Mexico City.