A former Norco College foster student, Victoria Yurkins spent 17 years in the foster care system. She endured multiple placements until reaching a breaking point at age 14. Hindered by frequent disruptions to her education, Yurkins dropped out her freshman year of high school.

 

Lack of guidance regarding the importance of education, healthy boundaries, relationships, and love further compounded her challenges. Despite the traumatic nature of her foster care experience, it significantly shaped her character. Separated from her biological sister, Yurkins found herself growing up in isolation, devoid of reliable support.

 

However, at age 30, Yurkins seized an opportunity to enroll at Norco College. It marked a turning point in her life. Armed with resources and a newfound motivation to persevere, Yurkins set out on an educational journey, despite facing homelessness while raising two children and being pregnant with a third.

 

With unwavering determination, she graduated from the University of California, Riverside, in 2021 with a degree in education, society and human development. This achievement propelled her to pursue a Master's in Social Work, which she completed in 2023 at California Baptist University. In addition to juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and academic pursuits, Yurkins worked up to three jobs. Today, Yurkins holds the position of TAY Program Coordinator at the Alliance for Children's Rights. Before transferring to UCR, Yurkins served as a peer mentor and held a short-term position in the Phoenix Scholars office at Norco College.