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EOPS & CARE

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Real Opportunities for Foster Youth

NextUp offers students who are current or former foster youth an expansion of high-touch and supportive services that can make your commitment to achieving your educational goals possible.

 

Who We Are: 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 Provided

  • 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.

The NextUp program can be found in the Student Services Building 8000 (inside the EOPS/CARE offices), on the 2nd floor Rm, 8202.

For more information, contact:

Melvishia Gaines, NextUp Student Success Specialist, at gainesmelvishia@fhda.edu

 

More About NextUp

Financial Aid for Foster Youth

  • NextUp - is dedicated to supporting students who are current or former foster youth with navigating college and achieving their educational dreams. 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

Additional Resources for Foster Youth 

  • Pivotal - non-profit organization that provides coaching, scholarships, and job & internship opportunities to youth in the Silicon Valley who are or were in foster care 
  • JBAY - a social services organization focused on improving the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless  

Resources for Food Insecurity 

  • CalFresh - California's food stamps (SNAP) program 

Resources for Housing Insecurity 

  • 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 

Resources for Wellness

Resources for Transportation

  • 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 

 

FALL 2024 EOPS CALENDAR

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Questions?
We're Here to Help!

EOPS/CARE Office

650.949.7207


fheops@fhda.edu


Student Services Building 8000, Room 8202, 2nd floor

View EOPS Office Hours

For Virtual Assistance

During office hours listed, visit  EOPS Student Live Connect or email  fheops@fhda.edu.

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