Eligibility & How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements

1. Current or former foster youth and in foster care on or after your 13th birthday.
   1. This also includes:
      1. Youth under the court’s care (also referred to as “Ward of the Court”).
      2. Youth who participated in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) program.
2. Under 26 years old at the start of the academic year when joining the NextUp program.
3. Enroll in 9 units or plan to enroll in 9 units in a future term (documented by an educational plan). Any current or former foster youth not meeting the above eligibility is considered for the Guardian Scholars Program. Unsure if you qualify? Need assistance getting a verification letter? Contact us.

 

How to Apply for NextUp & Guardian Scholars

1. Complete the NextUp & Guardian Scholars Program Application
2. Submit your Foster Care Verification (by email: NextUp@sccollege.edu
   or in-person in E-108)
   1. Some examples of verification include, but are not limited to:
      1. Ward of the Court Documents
      2. Letter from County Child Welfare Agency
      3. Letter from the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson
      4. Letter from a foster care placement agency
      5. Letter from a high school district
3. Create an Educational Plan with your counselor.
   1. Call 714-628-4720 to schedule an appointment