NextUp - Financial support for current and former foster youth

Sometimes, the hardest part about getting your college education is steering your way around all the bumps in the road. Most students will face challenges throughout this journey. That’s where NextUp comes in.

NextUp provides community college students like you with resources that make a difference. The program offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food, and emergency housing.

You’re committed to the goal of achieving a college education, and we are committed to helping you get it.

Your part is to:

• Work towards creating the future you want.

• Focus on the steps outlined in your education plan.

• Meet with a counselor several times each semester to make the most of your college experience.

For College Programs
Access the NextUp Campaign Materials to use on your California community college website or marketing and outreach materials.

The key expansions to NextUp eligibility include students who:

• Were in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13th birthday.

• Are enrolled in or planning to enroll in at least nine units or agree to an education plan with the future goal of enrolling in nine units.

• Are no older than 26 years of age at the commencement of any academic year in which the student first enrolls in the program; students enrolled in the program prior to turning 26 are allowed to continue participating in the program beyond the age of 26.

• Enroll in the NextUp program prior to age 26, disenroll, and subsequently return after turning 26 may be readmitted to the same or another NextUp program.

Monetary awards vary, but current and former foster youth also receive perks such as priority registration, counseling services, tutoring, textbook support, and career and transfer assistance. The Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award has a maximum of 8 years of lifetime grant eligibility or until you complete a bachelor’s degree. The Chafee Grant program is available to any applicant who is or was in foster care between the ages of 16 to 18. Applicants may qualify for $5,000 a year for career and technical training. Current and former foster youth no more than 25 years old by July 1 of the award year are not subject to loss of the California College Promise Grant fee waiver.