Riverside County Office of Education

Dawn Reid
reidd@lahc.edu

Luz Rosales
rosalelm@lahc.edu

EOPS Contact
310-233-4265

You may be eligible for NextUp if you:

• Are a current or former foster youth who was in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after your 13th birthday
• Are no older than 26 at the start of any academic year in which you first enroll in the program
• Are enrolled or planning to enroll in at least 9 units
• Can provide written verification of your Foster Youth status

• Specialized counseling & mentoring
• Augmented book awards
• Cash grants
• Meal vouchers
• Food bank
• Transportation assistance (bus tokens and gas cards)
• Specialized workshops
• College fee waivers
• Resource referral
• Housing applications:
• Housing referrals available through Housing Navigator
• Housing not available during summer and winter break

N/A

Angelica Arauza – Guardian Scholars arauza@lasc.edu
323-241-5298 

Naomi Hobayan – Next Up hobayan@lasc.edu

NextUp Program Requirements

• Be enrolled in at least 9 units
• Current or former foster youth in California whose dependency was established or continued on or after their 13th birthday
• Provide a court verification letter
• Be under the age of 26

Guardian Scholars Program:

• Current or former foster youth with proof of a Foster Care Verification Form
• Currently enrolled in at least 3 units
• Maintain a GPA of a minimum of 2.0

• Priority Registration
• Scholarship assistance
• Financial Aid
• Academic and Personal Counseling
• Life Skills Workshops
• Educational & Community
• Enrichment Activities
• Computer Lab

Tosin Williams owilliams@compton.edu

310-900-1600 ext. 2025

EOPS Contact

• Current or former foster youth students at GCC
• Required: Ward of the court letter
• Enrolled in credit classes at GCC
• Submit a completed EOPS application
• Attend an intake meeting with a Foster Youth Support Program counselor

Once admitted, complete these 3 program requirements each semester:

• One 30-minute appointment with an academic counselor
• One progress check

Attend one workshop or event during the semester

• College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• EOP&S
• Formerly Incarcerated Students in
• Transition Program

Nick Bravo – EOPS/ FYS Counselor
nbravo@glendale.edu
818-240-1000 x. 5571

• Placement in a relative or non-relative foster home
• Placement in a group home or other institutional care setting
• Placement in a transitional living arrangement (for example, THP-M, THPP, THP+FC/NMD, or THP+)
• Dependent / Non-minor dependent or ward of the court
• Probation youth as Ward of Court
• Subject to a legal guardianship or voluntary placement agreement (“VPA”)
• Extended foster care (also referred to as “AB12”)
• Determined to be a dependent by a trial court of an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization
• Meet McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness

• Academic, financial aid, transfer and career counseling
• Student Educational Plan development
• Community events and enrichment activities
• A stronger sense of belonging
• Opportunities to build community at GCC
• Supportive environment to achieve academic and personal goals
• Financial assistance for groceries
• Bookstore credit to purchase books
• Transportation support, including TAP cards, parking permits or gas cards
• Textbook and technology loans
• Housing referrals to campus and county resources as needed

N/A

Jeze Lopez jlopez164@mtsac.edu  909-274-6556

Marlene Sandoval – Financial Aid msandoval@mtsac.edu

909-274-5685

Program Contact

• Current and former foster youth, McKinney-Vento and unaccompanied minors
• Verification Letter or Paperwork (dependency letter/ward of court document, McKinney-
• Vento document)
• No age limit; rolling admissions

• College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• Housing Applications
• EOP&S
• Housing referrals are available

Deborah Lopez – NextUp/Guardian Scholars

dvlopez@riohondo.edu

562-463-7315

Zoe Lozano
zlozano@riohondo.ed

562-908-3435

Guardian Scholars Eligibility:

• In foster care at ANY age, for ANY amount of time
• Obtain an official “Ward-of-the-Court” letter and submit to our team

NextUp Eligibility:

• In foster care after the age of 13
• Currently under the age of 26
• Obtain official “Ward-of-the-Court” letter and submit to our team

• Specialized, dedicated counselors to plan and help achieve educational goals
• Assistance with funds to purchase textbooks.
• Transportation vouchers such as Uber and gas cards
• Workshops on financial literacy, employment, daily living skills, and career exploration
• Fieldtrips to 4-year Universities
• Cultural and Social field trips
• Weekend Retreat in the Mountains
• Bi-Weekly Resilience Support Group with
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Need-Based Grants
• One-Stop Center with free snacks, food, and a sense of community

N/A

Cristina Gutierrez – Next Up jcgutierrez@lbcc.edu

562-938-3218

Andreina Lucero – Guardian Scholars alucero@lbcc.edu

• Priority registration/ Financial aid application
• Specialized counseling
• Workshops and events
• Access to book loans and school supplies
• Basic needs support/ housing referral
• Access to Student Lounge - snacks, printing, Wi-Fi, & laptop access
• Gift cards and grants as funding permits

N/A

Evelyn Garcia/Dora Lozano inspirescholars@canyons.edu

Karin Fredrickson –  

Financial Aid, Chaffee Grants

karin.fredrickson@canyons.edu

Center for Scholars Contact

661-362-3676

INSPIRE and NextUp Requirements

• Ward of the Court letter
• A Separate Application is needed for Inspire Scholars/NextUp Program

INSPIRE Scholars Requirements

• Foster Youth in care at any time, up to age 35
• No unit enrollment minimum

NextUp Requirements:

• Current or former foster youth whose dependency was established on or after the youth’s 13th birthday
• No older than 25 years of age
• 9-unit enrollment minimum or College of the Canyons educational plan that shows the student plans to enroll

• Academic & Career Counseling
• Financial Assistance (Need-Based grants, Books, supplies, etc.)
• Specialized workshops and events
• College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• Housing Applications
• Connect them to contacts to help with Medi-Cal, CalFresh applications

N/A

Debra Joseph-Locke – Guardian Scholars

locke_debra@smc.edu

310-434-4519

Raul Enciso – Next Up/ Guardian Scholars
enciso_raul@smc.edu

310-434-8051

Ma’isha Reid – EOPS/ Foster Support Services reid_maisha@smc.edu
fosterservices@smc.edu

Financial Aid
financialaid@smc.edu

• Be in foster care on or after 13th birthday (FY Verification form must be submitted)
• No older than 25 years of age upon entering SMC’s NextUp Program
• Be enrolled in classes at SMC

N/A

Jaqueline Munive – Student Success Coordinator
jmunive@elcamino.edu

Kristen Johnson – EOPS

310-660-3593 x. 6052

•  Apply to ECC.
• Must be a current or former foster youth. [Documentation can include a Dependency Verification/ Ward of Court Letter from the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or your Social/Community Worker.]
• Submission of FAFSA or CADAA.

• College Applications;
• Foster Youth Program Applications;
• FAFSA/CADAA
• EOP
• Housing Applications

Carrie Apolonio
apolonci@lacitycollege.edu

323-953-4000 ext.2007

Marcela Vega – EOPS

novoasg@lacitycollege.edu
323-953-4000 ext. 2306

• Guardian Scholars- current/former foster youth of any age, at least one enrolled class
• NextUp- in foster care of age 13 or over, under 26 at start of the semester, 1 class minimum
• CA Resident

• Academic, guidance, and personal counseling
• Tutoring
• Transfer/Career counseling
• Book and supply grants
• Independent Living and Financial Literacy Skills Support
• Emergency loans (if approved by the Chancellor's office)
• Unmet Need grants (if budget permits)
• Child care assistance (if budget permits)
• Transportation assistance
• Meal voucher and/or emergency food support

Ngan Mork – Associate Dean of Student Services
morknt@piercecollege.edu

Program Contact

guardianscholars@piercecollege.ed

• Be enrolled in one unit
• Been in foster care since age 13 and/or up

• College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• EOP
• Housing Applications

Tracye Jones – NextUp
jonest13@wlac.edu

• Be enrolled in/working towards 9 LACCD units with at least 3 WLAC units (DSPS = 6 units)
• Current or former foster youth in California whose dependency was established or continued on or after their 13th birthday
• Provide a court verification letter
• Be under the age of 26
• Have WLAC as home school/campus

• Academic Advisement
• Access to Computers
• Assistance with course enrollment
• Assistance with Financial Aid &
• CHAFEE
• Career Counseling
• Community-Based Referrals and
• Resources
• Employment Assistance
• Housing Referrals
• Independent Living Program (ILP)
• Meal Assistance
• Mental Health Referrals
• Mentoring
• Network Building
• Priority Registration
• Student drop-in center
• Student Success Workshops
• Transportation Assistance
• Textbook Assistance
• Tutoring
• University Filed Trips
• Additional Book Voucher
• NextUp cash grants
• Specialized workshops
• Additional services as needed/available

Bridget Vu

brvu@gwc.cccd.edu

657-278-2389

Center for Scholars Contact

Guardian Scholars Eligibility :

• Be in foster care for at least 1 day in the student's life
• Under the age of 35 when admitted to the program
• Enrolled in 9+ units
• CA Resident, or AB540eligible
• Foster Care Dependency Verification

• Academic, career, and personal counseling
• Additional textbook services provided
• Associated Student Body fee paid
• Educational supply voucher
• Material and health fees paid
• Monthly gas cards or bus passes
• Referrals for housing, transportation, and clothing
• Snack/hygiene pantry
• Unmet Need Grants
• Emergency grants (Limitations apply)
• Students will be informed of any additional or new services

Nexy Gavidia - Program Coordinator

ngavidia@cccd.edu

Tanya De La Cruz
tdelacruz5@occ.cccd.edu

• Current or former Foster Youth/ Ward of Court
• Under the age of 26 at the start of the academic year
• Resided in an out-of-home placement on or after 13th birthday
• Enrolled in at least 1 unit at OCC

• College Onboarding -  application, financial aid, registration
• Financial Resources – textbook awards, fee payment, transportation assistance, emergency grants
• Academic Counseling – major exploration, student education plan, transfer
• Drop-in Center

EOPS/CARE/Next Up
sceops@saddleback.edu

• Be a current or former foster youth in care at age 13 or older
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll in courses at Saddleback College
• Be under 26 years

• $7,500 to get them started in college
• Backpack with educational supplies
• Priority Registration.
• Parking Permit.
• All course materials paid (with proof of course registration).
• Personalized counseling and much more...

Dione Washington – Program Director
washindk@latcc.edu

• Current or former foster youth in California with court dependency established or continued on or after their 13th birthday
• Under 26 years old at the start of the academic year to participate in NextUp
• Students who joined NextUp before turning 26, disenrolled, and later returned may be readmitted
• Enrolled in at least 1 unit and working toward 9 units with an educational plan (DSPS students may take fewer units if approved)

• Over and above specialized counseling
• Next Up workshops/activities
• Book and supply grant
• Welcome Kit upon entry into the program
• Monthly meal tickets
• Cash Grant every Fall and Spring semester
• Basic needs support, housing resources
• Access to Lift Career Services and Program Mentorship support
• Next Up English and Math Tutors
• Course Counseling
• Field trips
• Access to the NextUp Lounge with:
• Free snacks
• Printing
• Wi-Fi
• Clothing
• Personal hygiene items
• Laptop access

Jorge Razo – Guardian Scholars

jrazo@citruscollege.edu

626-857-4028

Sara Gonzales – Tapia EOPS

ceopands@citruscollege.edu

626-914-8555

Mikisha Deason – Next Up

mdeason@citruscollege.edu

626-823-8024

Eduardo Lopez – EOPS/CARE

elopez@citruscollege.edu

Denise Luna – Financial Aid

dluna@citruscollege.edu 626-963-6323

Program Contact

626-914-8555

Guardian Scholars Requirements:

• Current or Former Foster Youth

  NextUp Requirements:

• In foster care on or after their 13th birthday and are under age 26=
• Enrolled in at least one class

Guardian Scholars:

• College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• EOP&S

NextUp:

• Academic guidance and personal
• counseling
• Tutoring services
• Transfer and career employment
• Independent living and financial literacy skill support
• Book/Supply grant
• Work-Study awards
• Emergency awards
• Childcare assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Food security resources
• Health and mental health support

Ivonne Valencia-Meza –Counselor Coordinator for NextUp

ivalenciameza@sdccd.edu

619-388-8772

Marlene Gracia – Student Services Technician for NextUp and FAST Scholars mgracia001@sdccd.edu

619-388-225

FAST Scholars Requirements:

• Determine your Eligibility: You may qualify for the FAST Scholars program if you meet all the following criteria noted below. 
• Be a current or former foster youth. The student will need to provide foster care verification.

• Examples: Letter from any of the following categories- Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson, County Child Welfare Agency, County Probation Agency, Independent Living Program, Foster Care Placement Agency, Transitional Housing Program-Plus, County Office of Education Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program, High School District, or a state or county child welfare agency outside of California.

• Financial aid campus of record must be San Diego Mesa College. 
• Be enrolled in at least one unit at San Diego Mesa College. Once admitted, students may be encouraged to enroll in more units depending on the design of their education plan.

 

• No age requirement. If a student is 26 or older at the start of the academic year, their eligibility to receive financial aid resources from San Diego Mesa College and resources from outside agencies may be limited.

   

  NextUp Requirements:

• Be a current or former foster youth whose dependency was established or continued on or after the youth's 13^th birthday. The student will need to provide foster care verification. 
• Examples: Letter from any of the following categories- Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson, County Child Welfare Agency, County Probation Agency, Independent Living Program, Foster Care Placement Agency, Transitional Housing Program-Plus, County Office of Education Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program, High School District, or a state or county child welfare agency outside of California. 

 

• The financial aid campus of record must be San Diego Mesa College.  
• Be enrolled in at least nine units at San Diego Mesa College. Students enrolled in fewer than nine units may be accepted into the program if enrollment is part of an education plan designed to move the student toward subsequent enrollment in at least nine units. Be no older than 25 years of age at the commencement of any academic year in which the student first enrolls in the program. 

• Receive counseling (academic, personal, and career)
• Financial aid support
• Transportation assistance (such as bus passes or gas card
• Food assistance (such as grocery card or Mesa Food Store card
• Specialized workshops
• Access to school supplies

• Be a current or former foster youth whose dependency or wardship was established or continued by the court on or after the youth’s 13th birthday (dependency ward/of the court letter may be required).
• Under the age of 26 at the beginning of the academic year, or a previous NextUp student at another community college.
• Enrolled in at least nine 1 unit with plans to add 9 units for subsequent semesters.
• Have your financial aid established at Miramar College.

• Priority registration  
• Assistance with the FAFSA application, Scholarships, and Chafee Grant Process 
• Academic, career, transfer, and personal counseling
• Educational grants and emergency grants  
• Housing referrals 
• Food and transportation assistance 
• On-Campus Work Study 
• Mentorship 
• Personal Tutoring 
• Invitation to academic and life-skills workshops and social activities

Kyaw Htet
khtet@miracosta.edu
760-795-6680

Cindy Arce – Student Services Coordinator, Academic Success & Equity (ASE) Programs

• Must be a current or former Foster Youth
• Participants must attend RAFFY specific orientation, meet monthly with RAFFY Counselor, attend RAFFY approved workshop, and submit a mid-term progress report each semester

• Consistent commitment by highly trained RAFFY program staff.
• Assistance with the MiraCosta College application process.
• Assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Academic Counseling.
• Personal Counseling.
• Assistance with priority acceptance into the Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) application process, which may include:
• Priority registration
• Book services
• Grant assistance
• First-time college student Summer Block Program
• Bus Pass
• Housing referrals.
• Assistance with Medi-Cal applications.
• Referrals to community resources.
• Semester events; Pizza parties, Bowling.

Michelle Montano
mmontano@swccd.edu

Guardian Scholars Requirements:

• Be a California Resident
• No older than 30 years of age at the start of the academic year
• Eligible for California College Promise Grant (CCPG): Method A1-A3, B, or C
• Be a current or Former Foster Youth (provide a ward of court verification letter)
• Enroll in two or more units

  NextUp Requirements:

• Meets eligibility for the EOPS program 
• Be a California Resident
• No older than 26 years of age at the start of the academic year
• Eligible for California College Promise Grant (CCPG): Method A1-A3, B, or C
• Be a current or Former Foster Youth from the ages of 13-18 (provide a ward of court verification letter)
• Enroll in two or more units

• Personalized academic counseling
• Funds for books, transportation and/or meal cards

Program Contact

citynextup@sdccd.edu

• Were in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13th birthday. ***Dependency ward/of the court letter may be required
• Under 26 at the beginning of the academic year or previously in NextUp.
• Enrolled in at least (1) class in SDCCD with the plan to add 9 units for the subsequent semester.
• Must reside in California.

• Direct Grants (Must have financial aid at City College)
• Academic, Personal, Career Counseling
• Priority Registration (fall, spring, summer)
• Textbook Assistance (book service)
• Transportation Assistance
• School Supplies
• Grocery Store Cards
• Laptop and Technology Support
• Assistance with FAFSA & Chafee Grant
• Plus, EOPS Services & Benefits*

Heather Sanchez – EOPS/CARE/CalWORKS & Foster Youth Counselor

hsanchez@cmccd.edu

• Be enrolled at Copper Mountain College
• Be a current or Former Foster Youth
• Submit a fostering success application
• Submit your Dependency Verification Letter (also known as Ward of the Court Letter)

• Priority registration
• Academic/Career/Personal counseling
• Academic support and student accountability
• Parking permit
• Textbook assistance
• Academic supplies
• Meal and gas cards
• Campus and community resources 

Samera Kabir

skabir@barstow.edu

Briann Garcia – NextUp Student Success Advisor

bgarcia@barstow.edu

Jackie Diaz – FKCE

• Current or former foster youth whose dependency was established or continued by the court on or after 13th birthday 
• Under 26 years old at the start of the academic year or previously in the NextUp program at another community college
• Enrolled in at least 9 units or more (students in less than 9 students may be accepted into the program if the intent is to enroll in 9 units in a primary semester)

• Priority registration
• Academic and personal counseling
• Textbook assistance
• Weekly grocery cards
• Transportation assistance
• School supplies
• Childcare stipends
• Unmet need grants
• Food assistance
• And more based on program funding

Amber Allen

• If you were in a foster care placement between the ages of 13 and 18 then you may qualify

• Textbooks and school supplies
• Tutoring
• On-going counseling
• Food
• Transportation
• Emergency housing
• Child care
• Student fee assistance and more

Cynthia Bernal

• Been in foster care any time
• Be between the ages of 17-25
• Be a current or prospective SBVC student

• Academic counseling
• Parking permits
• Priority A registration
• Computer Lab
• School supplies
• Workshops
• Housing resources
• Field trips and events

LaTesha Hagler

lhagler@craftonhills.edu

• Be between the ages of 18 to 25 years old.
• Have been in foster care at any time after the age of 13 years old.
• Submit a NextUp Application.
• Submit your Dependency Verification Letter (also known as Ward of the Court Letter).
• Be a current or prospective Crafton Hills College student.

• Caring and supportive staff
• Priority registration
• Academic/Career/Personal Counseling
• Academic Support and Student Accountability
• Payment of semester parking permit
• Book grant to purchase all your textbooks
• Academic supplies
• Gas Cards
• Meal vouchers
• Campus and community resources
• Assistance with completing FAFSA, CHAFEE and other documents
• On-campus workshops
• Off-campus events/field trips 

bryan.franco@chaffey.edu

(909)652-6346

Juanda Scoggins

Independent Scholars Requirements:

• Currently or previously in  out-of-home placemeny

• NextUp Requirements:

  • Working towards enrollment in 9 units
  • Under age 26 at first enrollment
  • In out-of-home placement on/   after 13th birthday

• Priority registration
• Academic and supportive counseling
•  Book and supply assistance
• Food and transportation assistance
• E-card incentives
• Referrals to community and campus resources
• Designated EOPS/NextUp counselor
• Technology support/   Laptop assistance
• Unmet Need Grants
• Emergency Grants
• Childcare reimbursement

Jeremy Johnson

jeremy.johnson@rcc.edu

951-222-8251

Jessika Bohannon – Educational Resource Advisor
Jessika.Bohannon@rcc.edu 
951-328-3705

Program Contact

• Between the ages of 18 - 25 years old 
• Been in foster care any time after the age of 13 
• Submit your Dependency Verification Letter (also known as Ward of the Court Letter)
• Be a current or prospective RCC student 

• Applications 
• Registration  
• Financial Aid 
• Emergency Needs  
• Campus & Community Resources  
• Student Educational Plans 
• Community Involvement Opportunities 
• Computer Access 
• Printers  
  Study Area  
• Cell Phone Chargers  
• Snacks
• Workshops:
• Financial Literacy 
• Reducing Stress
• Healthy Habits

christina.dollinger@paloverde.edu

•  Have been enrolled, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13^th birthday
• Be enrolled in 9 or more units or be enrolled in at least 1 unit with an education plan that leads to being enrolled in 9 units
• Be no older than 26 years of age at the time of enrollment in the program. Students enrolled in the program prior to turning 26 are allowed to continue participating in the program after the age of 26
• Submit verification letter

• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Tutoring
• Food
• Emergency housing

Jennifer.Briseno@norcocollege.edu

Summer Arias – Interim Educational Resources Advisor

Summer.Arias@norcocollege.edu

Azadeh Iglesias – MESA Coordinator

azadeh.iglesias@norcocollege.edu

• Be a current/former foster, unaccompanied homeless youth, or those under kinship/guardianship

• Dedicated program Counselor/Success Coach
• Assistance with application completion
• Educational goal setting
• Peer mentoring
• On-campus food assistance: Coral Card
• College tours and recreational activities
• Textbook vouchers
• Free school supplies

• Be a current or prospective MVC student.
• Be a current or former foster youth.
• Contact Guardian Scholars/EOPS to start your eligibility verification and intake process.

• College application assistance
• Help with moving through the orientation and counseling process
• FAFSA and Chafee Grant applications assistance
• Priority registration
• Financial help: textbooks, supplies, and services related to transportation, housing, or food
• Personalized academic counseling and advising
• Course selection and development of a Student Educational Plan
• Personalized Student Success Coach assistance
• Tutorial services
• Student success workshops
• Referrals to Counseling Services and Student Health & Psychological Services
• University tours and cultural field trips
• Peer mentoring
• Annual Foster Care Awareness Event: Voices and Visions

• Have been in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13th birthday.
• Be enrolled in or plan to enroll in at least nine units, or agree to an education plan with the future goal of enrolling in nine units.
• Be no older than 26 years of age at the start 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 after the age of 26.

• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Tutoring
• Food
• Emergency housing

Jaime Hamilton 
jehamilton@fullerton.edu 
657-278-2389

Blanca Meza – Outreach and Marketing Coordinator
bmezahernandez@fullerton.edu

Program Contact:
guardianscholars@fullerton.edu

• Application is open year-round
• No age limit or cap
• Open to undergraduate and graduate students
• Provide a copy of Foster Youth
• Verification or Ward of the Court Letter

• Foster Youth Program Applications
• Housing Applications
• Academic Support Resources

Impacted Majors:
All majors are currently impacted.

Scholarship Application:

• Open Nov.-Mar. 2nd each year
• Verify FY after 13
• Under age 26
• Provide a copy of Foster Youth Verification or Ward of Court Doc

Marie Medina mmedina127@csudh.edu

Marcela Vega – Financial Aid mvega@csudh.edu 
310-243-3691

Program Contact:
tgscholars@csudh.edu 
310-243-2052

*Program prefers to be contacted here

• Current and former foster youth, McKinney-Vento, and unaccompanied minors
• Submit Toro Guardian Scholars application through email or in person
• Verification Letter or Paperwork (dependency letter/ward of court document, McKinney-Vento document)
• No age limit; rolling admissions

• Foster Youth Program Applications
• Housing Applications
• Academic Support Resources

N/A

Ofelia Gamez ofeliag@csufresno.edu 
559-278-5055

Juan Fonseca
juanf14@csufresno.edu
559-278-5055

Erin Connor - Financial Aid
559-278-2182

• A separate application is required for the Foster Youth program
• To be fully accepted, Renaissance Scholars Program applicant must attend 2-day /1-night
• Renaissance Scholars Program LINC orientation at Fresno State. Students will stay in the dorms
  
  

ashley.cano@csun.ed

Orlando Roybal – EOP Resilient Scholars Senior Specialist 

orlando.roybal@csun.edu
818-677-4151 

Karla Loreto – Financial Aid 
Financial.aid@csun.edu
818-677-4085

Program Contact:
eoprsp@csun.edu
818-677-4151

•  Apply to CSUN
• Apply to EOP
• If accepted to EOP - Must participate in a Summer Bridge Program
• Apply to RSP
• Must submit Court Dependency Letter with application

• Housing Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• College Applications

Impacted Programs:

• Accountancy
• Music
• Cinema and Television Arts:
• Film Production
• Television Production

vramirez@csusb.edu

Reneisha Wilkes – RSP Coordinator
Reneisha.Wilkes@csusb.edu

 Songaya Gresham – RSP Advisor
Songaya.Gresham@csusb.edu

Dianne Byrd – EOP Financial Aid Liaison 
dbyrd@csusb.edu
909-537-3850

EOP/RSP Main Office 
909-537-5042

• Be a current or former foster youth student applying to or currently attending CSU San Bernardino
• Be able to participate in Summer Bridge program (if you are an incoming EOP first-time freshman student)
• Be able and willing to submit an online application, write a personal statement, and participate in a personal interview
• Please visit our website for further information on application deadlines etc.

•  Foster Youth Program Applications
• Housing Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• College Applications

Impacted Programs:

• Criminal Justice Note: Impacted in all options
• Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy)
• Nursing, Pre-Licensure
• Psychology
• Social Work (Pre-Social Work)

lorr@csusm.edu
760-750-4862

Nyla Vivas – Outreach & Retention Counselor
vivas@csusm.edu

760-750-6039

Financial Aid 
finaid@csusm.edu
760-750-4850

• Meet all admissions eligibility for first-time freshman at a CSU
• Documented Foster Care Placement
• Apply to ACE Scholars Services no later than February 1
• Submit Verification of Foster Care Dependency letter
• Participate in Spring campus visit and meeting with ACE staff to discuss program requirements
• Participate in a 6-week summer bridge program, maintain full-time status, and must live on campus freshman year

• Foster Youth Program Applications
• ACE assists students from the submission of their application to their completion of their academic journey at CSUSM

Impacted Programs

• Biological Sciences
• Business Administration
• Electrical Engineering
• Nursing, Pre-Licensure

Oneida Santana –

Outreach & Admissions Coordinator 
oneida.santana@csulb.edu
562-985-7598

Cheryl Crumble – Resource Coordinator 
guardianscholars@csulb.edu
562-985-2639

Candi Marsh – Associate Director of Guardian Scholars, Guardian Scholars Academic Counselor

guardianscholars@csulb.edu
562-985-2639

• Current or Former Foster Youth
• Currently enrolled in CSULB
• A separate application is required for the Foster Youth program
• A completed FAFSA or CADAA
• Complete a separate Guardian Scholar Application

• College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• Housing Applications
• Resources

Impacted Majors:

All majors are currently impacted.

Makeda Bostic – Coordinator 
mdbostic@cpp.edu
909-869-3169

Erica Carrillo – Assistant Coordinator
ejcarrillo@cpp.edu

909-869-4306

Hortencia Santos – Program Assistant 
hortenciar@cpp.edu
909-869-3138

Financial Aid 
finaid@cpp.edu
909-869-3700

• Meet all admissions eligibility requirements for first-time freshmen at a CSU
• Documented foster care placement
• Apply to Renaissance Scholars Services no later than February 1
• Submit verification of Foster Care Dependency Letter
• Participate in Spring campus visit and meeting with staff to discuss program requirements
• Participate in a 6-week summer bridge program, maintain full-time status, and must live on campus freshman year

•  Foster Youth Program Applications
• ACE assists students from the submission of their application to their completion of their academic journey at CSUSM

Impacted Majors:

All majors are currently impacted.

Shelly Gomez – EOP & Seawolf Scholars Manager 

gomezs@sonoma.edu
707-664-3891

Stacie Rodriguez –Fitch Seawolf - Scholars Advisor
rodrigusta@sonoma.edu

Financial Aid
finaid@sonoma.edu
707-664-2389

• Qualify for admission to Sonoma State University as a freshman or transfer undergraduate student
• Complete program application and submit verification of eligibility
• Must be a current or former Foster Youth, Guardianship care/kinship care, Ward of the court, Emancipated minor, Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, Independent by appeal (must be updated yearly)

• Priority registration and Academic Advising
• Resource support (textbooks, school supplies, basic needs, etc.)
• Community building
• Emergency funding
• Guidance with housing, scholarships, and community resources

Impacted Programs:

• Nursing (Pre-Nursing and Pre-Licensure BSN)
• Psychology

gsp@sfsu.edu
415-405-0546

• Ward of the court letter
• Must have spent at least one day in out-of-home placement
• A separate Foster Youth Program application is required

• Housing application

• Nursing (General)
• Undeclared/undecided (when an interest in nursing)

Martha Contreras – Director 
gsp@calstatela.edu
323-343-3209

J.T. Chestnut – Outreach and Retention Specialist
jchestn2@calstatela.edu
323-343-3212

Janet Gonzalez – Financial Aid
jgonzal31@calstatela.edu
323-343-7615

•  Apply or be admitted to Cal State LA
• Apply to EOP
• Must be a current or former foster youth
• A separate application is required for Guardian Scholars Program
• No deadline to submit an application
• No age limit to apply
• Be able to participate in Summer Bridge (Freshmen only)
• Submit Verification of Foster Care (Court Dependency letter)

•  College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• Housing Applications

Impacted Programs:

• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Nursing (pre-licensure)
• Psychology
• Social work
• Television, Film, and Media Studies

Libby Pata 
lpata@csustan.edu
209-664-6943

Yolanda Alcaraz – Financial Aid 
yalcaraz@csustan.edu
209-664-6584

•  Both current and former foster youth are eligible for Promise Scholars.
• Also accepted under the Foster Youth definition is:
• Guardianship Care/Kinship Care
• Ward of the Court
• Emancipated Minor
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
• Independent by Appeal (must be updated yearly)
• Scholars Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Former foster youth between the ages of 17-23
• Must be a California Resident
• Qualify for admission to Stanislaus State
• Complete the Promise Scholars Application
• Complete the FAFSA
• Provide Foster Youth or Unaccompanied Homeless Youth documentation
• Meet with the Promise Scholar Program

•  Housing application

• Nursing, Pre-Licensure
• Pre-Nursing

Schye Bell

chandellschye.bell@sjsu.edu

guardianscholars@sjsu.edu

408-924-6955

• A student who is admitted to SJSU
• Enrolled at least part-time (6 units) at SJSU
• A current or former youth who experienced Foster Care or identifies as:
• Dependent/Ward of the Court
• Under Legal Guardianship
• AB12 Eligible
• Independent Student Status as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
• GSP applicants must have a complete application that includes a dependency or ward of the court letter to verify that they were in care

*EOP acceptance is no longer required to apply to the Guardian Scholars Program.

• A student who is admitted to SJSU
• Enrolled at least part-time (6 units) at SJSU
• A current or former youth who experienced Foster Care or identifies as:
• Dependent/Ward of the Court
• Under Legal Guardianship
• AB12 Eligible
• Independent Student Status as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
• GSP applicants must have a complete application that includes a dependency or ward of the court letter to verify that they were in care

*EOP acceptance is no longer required to apply to the Guardian Scholars Program.

Angel  Cantrell 
acantrell4@csub.edu
661-654-3213

• Separate application located at
• www.csub.edu/gsp/guardian-scholars-program-application
• Must be between the ages of 17 & 24
• Qualify for undergraduate admission to CSU Bakersfield as a freshman or transfer student
• Apply to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
• Be a California Resident
• Qualify for “Independent Student” status under federal financial aid guidelines
• Apply for financial aid by completing either the FAFSA or CADAA.
• Apply for the Chafee Grant by March 2
• Be able to participate in the EOP Summer Bridge Program, if a first-time freshman

• Admission to the university
• Transitional program and support
• Priority registration
• Hierarchy needs
• Emergency funds
• Experiences that enrich students educationally, culturally, and socially
• Preparation for graduation and beyond

Impacted Programs:

• Nursing, Post-Licensure (RN to Nursing Degree)
• Nursing, Pre-Licensure

Tommy Chavira II

thomas.chavira@csuci.edu 
(805) 437-3252

EOP Contact

805-437-3568

Guardian Scholars Contact

805-437-3923

• Currently or were in a foster care placement at any time since birth
• Currently or previously in guardianship between the ages of 0-18
• Currently or previously living with a relative or friend of the family who was not your biological parent between the ages of 0-18
• Having been adopted, currently, or previously experienced homelessness between the ages of 0-18 for more than 30 days

• Academic assistance
• Career exploration
• Financial literacy education
• Coaching and student leadership development
• Graduate school preparation
• Job and internship preparation and search assistance

Impacted Programs:

• Nursing, Pre-Licensure

Maria Lomeli 
mslomeli@csuchico.edu

530-898-6831

•  Apply to EOP (not required but strongly encouraged)
• Must be admitted to Chico State and contact the PATH Scholars program staff.
• Submit verifying documentation of foster youth, guardianship, kinship care, ward of the court, or unaccompanied homeless as a minor
• Submit PATH Scholars application packet

• Admission to the University
• Transitional support
• Priority registration
• Dedicated liaisons in key campus departments
• Basic Needs support/Emergency grants when funding is available
• Social events and opportunities
• Community resources
• Preparation for graduation and beyond

Impacted Programs:

• Music, Option in Recording Arts
• Nursing, Pre-Licensure

Sasheen Raymond – Director of ITEPP & ELITE Scholars

Ssr19@humboldt.edu
707-826-5197

Peggy Metzger

Peggy.metzger@humboldt.edu
707-826-5377

•  Former Foster Youth

•  Activities and trainings to build life skills, support career aspirations, promote financial wellness, and strengthen academics

Impacted Programs:

• RN-BSN Nursing Program

John Rivera – Program Engagement & Admissions Specialist
roshawn.campbell@csueastbay.edu
510-885-4537

Program Contact 

renaissance@csueastbay.edu
510-885-4422

•  Apply and be accepted to CSU East Bay as a freshman or transfer student or be a continuing undergraduate student.
• Qualify as an "independent" student under federal financial aid guidelines
• Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Be a California Resident and former foster youth/ward of the court.

•  Academic, career, and financial aid advising
• Workshops, activities, and field trips
• Assistance with purchasing books (for those with financial need)
• Priority registration
• Loaner textbook library
• Mentor and Mentee opportunities
• Counseling referrals
• Loaner laptops
• Leadership development
• Priority for on-campus housing (NOTE: Foster youth are given priority for a space in on-campus housing and are responsible for applicable fees.)

Impacted Programs:

• Nursing

Melina Perez – EOP Program & Guardian Scholar Retention Advisor

831-582-5042

Program Contact

guardianscholars@csumb.edu
831-582-3112

• Current & former foster youth
• Wards of the court
• Unaccompanied homeless youth (McKinney-Vento students)
• Orphan
• Adopted
• Youth under legal kinship and guardianship

• Assist students with transition from high school and/or community college to CSUMB
• School supply assistance
• Assistance with registration & admission
• Designated Guardian Scholar Retention Advisor
• Academic & professional development workshops
• Personal care pantry
• Cultural exploration activities
• Free computer usage & printing
• Laptop loan program
• Connections to other campus services & programs
• Connections to community resources
• Emergency Grant (up to $500)

Bryan Spencer – Assista
619-594-0140

Marie Branes – G.S. Program Assistant Coordinator

mbranes@sdsu.edu
619-594-6298

•  Complete SDSU admissions application
• Identify as Former Foster Youth, Ward of the Court, Unaccompanied Homeless
• Apply to the Educational Opportunity Program
• Submit Guardian Scholars Prospective Student Application by January 15
• Submit supporting documents (Legal Guardianship State of California Courts, Ward of the Court, Former Foster Youth Dependency Letter, McKenny-Vento Verification)

• GS First Meet Up
• GS Scholarships
• GS Housing Award - On and Off Campus Assistance
• Fall and Spring Care Packages
• Fall and Spring Kick-Offs
• GS University Seminar Class (Fall and Spring)
• Monthly Meetings
• Wellness Coaching
• Thanksgiving and Graduation Celebration Dinners
• Free Test Materials (scantrons, blue books)
• Guardian Scholars Resource Area
• Dress to Express: Senior Professional Attire Shopping Day
• Invitations to donor and campus-sponsored events

Shayna Citrenbaum –Guardian Scholars Program Coordinator

scitrenb@calpoly.edu

Program Contact

gsp@calpoly.edu

Students who have experienced the following prior to their 18^th birthday:

• Foster Care (regardless of length of time)
• Youth Homelessness (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act)
• Being a Ward of the Court or Orphan
• Being a Certified Independent Youth(Unaccompanied or Emancipated Minor)
• Other related circumstances

• Priority Registration
• Priority Housing
• Guardian Scholars Scholarship
• Guardian Scholars Center (free printing, food pantry, and basic needs supplies)
• Community-Building Social Events
• Life Skills Workshops and 1:1 Skill-Building Sessions

guardianscholarsprogram@lmu.edu

• Qualify for admission to Loyola Marymount University as a freshman or transfer student (see Admissions website for details).
• Be at least one day of foster care experience (e.g., foster care, group home or court-placed relative) or qualify as
• Independent, Homeless, or Emancipated.
• Be a full-time LMU undergraduate student (minimum 12 units per semester).
• Maintain good academic standing.

• Academic Resources
• Career and Professional Development
• Disability Support Services 

This program supports students who are current or former foster youth, have incarcerated parents or qualify for an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 and receive Cal Grant A.

• Services begin as early as middle or high school and continue until the student's sophomore year in college.
• High school seniors can also participate if they commit to completing their FAFSA.
• Referrals can be made by anyone.

• Access & Living-Learning Connection
• 1st semester interventions
• Access to Faculty/Staff Mentors
• Monthly Programming
• 1:1 Check-In and Support
• Academic Interventions
• CARE Support Book Support
• Standing monthly meetings
• Streamlined Care Management for scholars
• Implemented high impact practices to support scholars

Lamar J. White – VP of Student Affairs

whitel@denmarktech.edu

• Counseling
• Food and Clothing Resource Center
• Tutoring Services
• Mentorship
• Financial assistance merit and non-merit based
• Scholarships/Grant opportunities

Impacted Programs:

• Aviation Program

• Current or Former FY
• Currently enrolled in CSULB
• A separate application is required for the Foster Youth program
• A Completed FAFSA or CADAA
• Complete the Separate Guardian Scholar Application  

• North Carolina Promise out-of-state tuition at $2,500
• Offer in-state tuition at $7,001 a year 

Teaira Nelson Tnelson@saonet.ucla.edu
310-206-6995

Teaira Nelson – Program Director
tnelson@saonet.ucla.edu

Financial Aid
310-206-0400

Highly Selective Majors:

• Business Economics
• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Economics
• Biology
• Communication
• Film and Television
• English

Liz Moya – Renaissance Scholars Program Counselor
emoya@ucsc.edu

Program Contact
renschol@ucsc.edu
831-459-4819

Impacted Majors:

• Computer Science
• Psychology

Charly King Beavers charlykb@berkeley.edu
510-664-7187

Rebeca Borges  becborges@berkeley.edu

• Current and former foster youth, McKinney-Vento, and unaccompanied minors
• Submit Toro Guardian Scholars application through email or in person
• Verification Letter or Paperwork (dependency letter/ward of court document, McKinney-Vento document)
• No age limit; rolling 

• Admissions applications
• Priority registration
• University Housing application and fees
• Emergency financial support
• Resource support (e.g., textbooks), graduate school preparation, scholarship and community resources

High Demand Majors:

• Art Practice
• Political Economy
• Social Welfare
• Operations Research & Management Science (Analytics)
• Public Health

Leydy Sandoval
lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu

209-720-7231

Lisa Perry – Director, Students First Center 
lperry@ucmerced.edu

Lisa Silveira – Financial Aid
lsilveira@ucmerced.edu

209-228-2470

•  Must be a UC Merced Student or have submitted a SIR to UC Merced
• Must identify with at least one of the following:
• Foster youth - someone who has been in foster care, no matter the length of time or age at the time of care.
• Emancipated Minor (arranged formally and informally) -someone who is a minor (under age 18 in CA) and is no longer under parental control and/or is financially independent.
• Homeless (or at risk of being homeless) -someone who is living in a shelter, on the street or “couch hopping”.
• Living with Kin (arranged formally or informally) - someone whose care is provided by relatives, extended family member(s), friends, loved ones, etc. due to any number of reasons.
• Dependent or ward of the court - someone who has received protection from the court and may have had a legal guardian appointed either by the court or by parental consent.
• Orphaned-someone whose parents or legal guardians are deceased, unknown or absent.

•  Admissions applications
• Priority registration
• University Housing application and fees
• Emergency financial support
• Resource support (e.g., textbooks), graduate school preparation, scholarship and community resources

Impacted Majors:

• Psychology
• Biological Sciences
• Political Science
• Business Management & Economics.

Valeri Garcia – Director

vqgarcia@ucdavis.edu

530-752-1211

Espiritu Enriquez – Program Coordinator

eenriquez@ucdavis.edu

530-754-4122

Program Contact

guardianscholars@ucdavis.edu

530-754-2899

• Placement in a relative or non-relative foster home
• Placement in a group home or other institutional care setting
• Placement in a transitional living arrangement (for example, THP-M, THPP, THP+FC/NMD, or THP+)
• Dependent / Non-minor dependent or ward of the court
• Probation youth as Ward of Court
• Subject to a legal guardianship or voluntary placement agreement (“VPA”)
• Extended foster care (also referred to as “AB12”)
• Determined to be a dependent by a trial court of an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization
• Meet McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness

• New Student Program Orientation
• Transition Seminar: "Foundations for University Success"
• Transitional Peer Mentoring Program
• First-Year Aggie Connection: “Together We Thrive"
• Housing and Financial Aid advising
• Workshop/Program Activities
• Individual Success Advising
• Community Outreach
• Cohort Meet-ups
• Mentorship Program
• Campus Collaborations
• Scholarships, grants and financial support
• Enrichment and Experiential Learning opportunities
• Seminar:  "Exploring and Assembling a Post-Graduation Plan"
• Career Meet & Greets
• Career mapping/advising
• Workshops
• Professional Partnerships
• Campus Referrals

Selective Majors:

• College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences:
• Animal Biology
• Animal Science
• Biotechnology
• Managerial Economics
• Viticulture and Enology
• Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology (Starting Fall 2027)
• College of Letters and Science:
• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Physics
• Data Science
• Economics
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Analytics and Operations Research
• Mathematical and Scientific Computation
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics

Impacted Programs:

• College of Biological Sciences
• College of Engineering

Program Contact

FYRE@uci.edu

• Students are eligible to participate [in FYRE] regardless of the length of time they spent in foster care or their age at entrance into or exit from care.
• Formal documentation of foster care status required

• Provides support to current and former Foster Youth attending UCI
• Creates a network that enhances academic success and personal well-being
• Welcoming community for individuals who have faced similar experiences
• Promote transitional and educational opportunities in support of student learning and success

Impacted Majors

• Business Administration
• Nursing

Program Contact

fosteryouth@ucr.edu

• Current or Former Foster Youth
• Currently enrolled in CSULB
• A separate application is required for the Foster Youth program
• A completed FAFSA or CADAA
• Complete a separate Guardian Scholar Application

• College Applications
• Foster Youth Program Applications
• FAFSA/CADAA
• Housing Applications
• Resources

N/A

Timothy Borch

(858) 822-0348

Melisa Spencer – Financial Aid

m5spencer@ucsd.edu

(858) 534-1588

Program Contact

hopegeneral@ucsd.edu

hopescholars@ucsd.edu

• Former foster youth, homeless youth, and other disconnected youth
• A full-time undergraduate student (at least 12 units per quarter)
• California resident, and United States citizen or permanent resident
• At least a 2.0 GPA in coursework
• Completed FAFSA form to apply for financial aid by the priority filing date

• Access to on-campus housing all year round, including the summer before your first fall term
• Priority enrollment, beginning the second term of attendance at UC San Diego
• Student employment opportunities
• Life skills counseling
• Career planning
• Community events
• Graduation event for Hope Scholars
• Friendly and informal meetings with a Hope Scholars mentor focused on problem-solving, life counseling, and encouragement
• Workshops covering special topics like financial literacy, wellness, and locating an internship will be offered quarterly

Selective Programs:

• Data Science
• Public Health
• Jacobs School of Engineering:
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering