For the Reporter

Auburn’s Ryan Cummings represented Washington state at Tuesday’s Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day in Washington, D.C.

Members of Congress were paired with young foster care alumni (ages 18-22) from the member’s Congressional district. Forty youth accompanied their members of Congress to hearings, meetings, floor votes and other activities throughout the morning. The young people had the opportunity to share their stories with Congress and discuss reforms to the foster care system.

Cummings is in college searching for the career path that he feels is right for him. He hopes to make the foster care system a better place for all young people in care. In an effort to do this, Cummings is an integral member of Washington’s foster youth and alumni advisory board, Passion to Action.

Cummings also is the youth representative on Washington’s Commission on Foster Care, working with lawyers, judges, legislators and administrators in crafting well informed foster care policy.