HELPFUL RESOURCES

You or someone you know is committed to the goal of achieving a college education, and we’re committed to helping make that dream a reality. There is assistance available for current and former foster youth who want to attend a California community college; all you have to do is get started, and we’ll help you every step of the way. Go through the steps listed below to begin on your higher education journey today.

STEP 1

CONNECT WITH A DEDICATED
EOPS OR NEXTUP COUNSELOR

You don’t have to walk the path of higher education alone. Along the way, a dedicated counselor is available to answer any questions you may have, or provide you with more information regarding a specific campus and the resources available to current or former foster youth there. Click here to find the staff person closest to you, ready to help.

To find more information about what’s available only to current and former foster youth, browse these links.

STEP 2

ENROLL AS A STUDENT AT A
CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NextUp offers access to services and resources that support foster youth while attending a California community college. There are 115 community colleges in California. Chances are, there’s one near you. While not every campus has a NextUp program, they all offer Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). These links can provide access to more information about the community colleges closest to you, and how to enroll as a student.

STEP 3

FIND FINANCIAL AID
AND HOUSING RESOURCES

From tuition and books to living expenses and school supplies, the cost of college can be intimidating. That’s where NextUp comes in. You or a foster youth you know may qualify for a variety of financial aid options while attending a California community college. Check out the links below to learn more about what’s available to a California community college student who is a current or former foster youth.

  • I Can Afford College Information on financial aid that can help you pay for fees, books, supplies and sometimes even help with the rent
  • CalWORKs Assisting welfare recipient students and those in transition off of welfare to achieve long-term self-sufficiency through coordinated student
  • CalFresh CalFresh is a California financial aid program that helps students buy food. Students enrolled half-time or more might be eligible for a free debit card for monthly groceries
  • Dormitories California community colleges offering student dormitories
  • Transitional Housing Placement Program and THP-PLUS Information on housing options for current and former foster youth

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS

  • A Degree with a Guarantee Making it easy to transfer from a California community college to your guaranteed, saved spot at a CSU
  • Disabled Students Programs and Services Support services, specialized instruction, and educational accommodations for students with disabilities
  • Career Education Choose from more than 200 different career programs to get the hands-on training and skills you need to get started on your path to a rewarding, good-paying career