Foster Youth Educational Support Programs
NextUp
The purpose of NextUp is to support eligible students who experienced the foster care system in achieving higher education success, health, and well-being at the community college level. Supportive services include assistance with transportation, food vouchers, book vouchers, educational grants, and school supplies. To qualify, a student must be EOPS eligible and have been a ward of the court at the time of their 13th birthday, or thereafter, and no older than age 25.
NextUp students have access to a computer lab, space to study, tutoring assistance, and a center to meet with their fellow peers and the NextUp specialist. An academic counselor is on-site several days a week for student convenience. For more information, call 805-922-6966 ext. 3214, or visit the CARE/NextUp/Guardian Scholars Center in bldg. A, Room 203 on the Santa Maria campus.
Guardian Scholars
Guardian Scholars provides support services for former foster youth attending Allan Hancock College who are not NextUp eligible. Guardian Scholars is a standalone program housed within the EOPS Department in Student Services Building A, CARE/NextUp/Guardian Scholars Center (A 203). Supportive services include assistance with transportation, food vouchers, book vouchers (limited), and school supplies. Guardian Scholars students have access to a computer lab, space to study, tutoring assistance, and a center to meet with their fellow peers and program staff. For more information, call 805-922-6966 ext. 3214, or visit the CARE/NextUp/Guardian Scholars Center in bldg. A, Room 203 on the Santa Maria campus.