NextUp for Foster Youth
Real Opportunities for Foster Youth
NextUp is a program dedicated to supporting students who are current or former foster youth with navigating college and achieving their educational dreamsfor students who are current or former foster youth, providing that can make your commitment to achieving your educational goals possible. s .
Our Mission
The NextUP program at Foothill College is a vibrant and welcoming community committed to fostering personal growth, academic success, and lifelong transformation. Rooted in kindness, compassion, and acceptance, our goal is to nurture a sense of belonging where all voices are valued. We create a supportive environment where every participant can explore their inner potential and pursue their purpose with courage and persistence.
Our Values
We believe in celebrating creativity, connection, friendship, and that learning should be both meaningful and fun. By providing opportunities that inspire resilience and authentic self-expression, our commitment lies in embracing challenges with compassion, advocacy, and cultivating growth, while building a community where every program participant thrives on the path to success.
Eligibility
- You are admitted through the EOPS program
- Your foster youth dependency was established or continued by the court on or after your 13th birthday
- You are under the age of 26 at the start of the academic year (July 1)
- Your are enrolled in 9 units, less if under the guidance of an EOPS/NextUp counselor and with the approval of the program director
Services We Provide
- Textbooks and school supplies
- Food and transportation assistance
- Direct financial grants (fall, winter, spring)
- Emergency grants
- Personal need and supplies that support college attendance
- Housing referrals
- Community services & resource assistance
Additional services and support may become available as we continue to survey the needs of program participants.
Foster Youth Resources
- Foothill College’s Owls Nest - assists students with accessing resources for food and housing
-
Foothill-De Anza Student Housing — Foothill College provides access to a limited number of below-market apartments owned by the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. Located a short distance from the Foothill College campus in Cupertino, choose from one and two bedroom apartments to share. Rent starts as low as $910/month for a triple occupancy bedrooms. All apartments are fully furnished
- Bill Wilson Center - offers programs that provide services including housing, counseling, and foster youth support
- First Place for Youth - a non-profit organization with programs and services that assist foster youth with their transition to becoming self-sufficient adults
- LifeMoves - a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals and families return to stable housing and self-sufficiency
- Foothill College Mental Health & Wellness Center - provides mental health and wellness services to Foothill College students, including 8 free counseling sessions per academic year
- Foothill College Student Health Services - provides general medical services, as described in the Health Service website, on and off campus
- VTA ASFC SmartPass Program - enrolled Foothill College students are eligible for the VTA SmartPass Program, which provides unlimited rides on Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses and light rail
Foster Youth Resources
Financial Aid
- NextUp also offers a completion Grant of up to $6000 a year
- Chafee Grant - awards up to $5,000 a year to eligible current or former foster youth
- Financial Aid - Foothill College Financial aid Dept. can help you with FASFA, CADA nd any other resources for money that is given or paid to help pay for your college education or vocational training.
- FASFA
- CADAA
