NextUp
Foster Youth Student Success
Real opportunities for foster youth.
NextUp provides participating current and former foster youth with support and resources while attending a California community college. Help may include books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food, emergency housing, and more.
About
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.
Student Eligibility
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.
Award Amount
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.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of money you can receive through financial aid varies, but current and former foster youth also receive perks such as priority registration, counseling services, tutoring, textbook support and career and transfer assistance.
Financial support available for foster youth includes:
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 can be eligible for the California College Promise Grant tuition fee waiver. Additional financial aid opportunities are available to help cover college costs like tuition, books or sometimes even the rent. Talk to your college counselor and visit ICanGoToCollege.com to learn more and apply today.
Those who were in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after your 13th birthday.
Those who are enrolled in, or are planning to enroll in, at least 9 units or agree to an education plan with the future goal of enrolling in 9 units.
Those who are under 26 years old at the beginning of the academic year
NextUp Campuses Near You
More financial aid programs are available.
Most U.S. citizens qualify for financial aid with a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented students can get assistance through the California Dream Act (CADAA).
PELL GRANTS
Federal Pell Grants go to undergraduate students without college degrees who come from low-income families.
CAL GRANT PROGRAM
Cal Grants get awarded to California resident undergraduates based on financial need, academic performance and other factors.
PROMISE GRANTS
Low-income students and students receiving cash assistance may automatically apply for a California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment (CCCSE) offers over 3,000 student scholarships per year.
WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS
Federal work-study students earn money to pay for college by working a part-time job on-campus or out in the community.
FOSTER YOUTH
Foster youth students who were in care on or after their 16th birthday can apply for a Chafee Grant up until they turn 26.
