Success Is Our Future was born from the vision of Daryll Pipkin in 1990. A Group Home Consultant employed by the Los Angeles County Probation Department since 1969, he wanted to address the some of the complaints from the group home administrators. The administrators did not feel that the smaller group homes were getting enough recognition and support for both the facilities and the children. From that, came the vision to create an event that would recognize the foster youth by utilizing a venue that allowed them the opportunity to experience what most other teenagers get to experience with prom and graduation. The opportunity be dressed up, have a four course dining experience and celebrate their accomplishments.

     In April, 1993, the dream became a reality. The committee of administrators went to the Cochatoo Inn in Hawthorne, California and placed a down payment for the purpose of holding the first Success Is our Future event May 27, 1993. Initially, it was thought that the inner-city facilities were the only group homes interested in participating, but the committee soon realized that the need and interest were widespread and so the dream was enlarged to include all placement foster youth. The youth are honored and in some instances awarded substantial scholarships in various categories based on their achievements. These categories are still in effect and include: academics, sports, literature, arts, and overall improvement in conduct and behavior.

     Today, Success Is Our Future is held on the beautiful campus of USC, a place that many placement foster youth never even dream of visiting is now an introduction to an attainable future. With the help of a few generous anonymous sponsors and Los Angeles County’s Youth Development Services we are approaching 17 years of celebrating our youth’s tenacity and perseverance.