The Kern County Department of Human Services is celebrating the accomplishments of dozens of young adults who are graduating from the Independent Living Program on Thursday.

The 79 students come from all over Kern County to celebrate their high school graduation, sharing the common bond of being a foster youth overcoming difficult life circumstances.

The graduation and dinner is taking place Thursday night at Coconut Joe's private beach club in southwest Bakersfield at 5 p.m.

The event marks the start of Foster Care Awareness Month which starts in May.