Peak Adventures will hold an Open House-Open Climb Benefit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Challenge Center at Sacramento State to help emancipated youth stay in college.

All proceeds and donations from the open climb will be given to the Guardian Scholars program, a non-profit organization located on Sac State’s campus that offers a wide variety of support services to foster youth pursuing a college education following their emancipation.Statistically, emancipated youth make up less than3 percent of the college population because once they turn 18 they often must leave foster care. Former foster child Brittany Chamalbide, freshman kinesiology major, said she isfortunate to attend college because she received a full-ride scholarship that covered her living expenses and tuition.Although this is the case for her, she said this is not the story for all emancipated youth who enter college.”My scholarship has helped me immensely by giving me a chance to focus on my education,” she said. “Most (foster children) have trouble with the simplest things, such as where they’re going to stay or where they’re going to find their next meal.”Joy Salvetti, Guardian Scholars program director, said the lives of many foster children begin to decline after they are emancipated because they are not provided with the resources to succeed.”Once foster children turn 18, many are left on their own and are not able to make it to college,” she said. “(Foster children) have a higher chance of falling into homelessness and victimization.”She said the program is a place whereemancipated students can address their problems in a comfortable environment.”The Guardian Scholars program is a one-stop shop for students, no matter what they need they can come here,” Salvetti said. “Students can feel that they are connected with family here.” The event will cost $5 for Sac State students and $10 for the general public, but larger donations will be accepted as well. Participants should be over 8 years old.There will be a number of climbing elements offered at the open climb, which include a catwalk that is 40 feet in the air, a diving platform, a rock wall and a cargo net. The Peak Adventures staff will be on site to strap climbers into safety harnesses and bungee ropes before they begin.Alexandra Frith, marketing specialist for Peak Adventures, said the employees will assist everyone at the Challenge Center, including first-time climbers.She said Peak Adventure helps to make everyone comfortable by following the “challenge by choice” rule, which means people start at a level at which they feel most comfortable.Frith said the event is meant to encourage community engagement and to support the Guardian Scholars organization.”We are happy to help raise awareness for this great program, especially since our values are so closely related,” she said. “I truly believe that through instilling confidence and nurturing leadership development we shape a better future for our community.”Frith said Peak Adventures is helping to embrace their mission statement by dedicating the open climb event to support the Guardian Scholars.”Peak Adventures’ mission is to enrich Sac State’s learning experience through adventure, education and leadership development,” she said. “Our vision is to help determine the future of our world by influencing the people who will lead and design it.”Sac State’s radio station, KSSU1580 AM, will also be on site at the event – offering musical entertainment.People interested in the event can register online at peakadventures.org or at the Peak Adventures office. “Growing up, I did not feel a sense of community, but Peak Adventures is helping to make this happen by providing us with a chance to meet people in a fun and safe environment,” Chamalbide said.

John Saelee can be reached at [email protected]