Guardian Scholars/NextUp

Cabrillo College

Foster Youth Support Services

The Cabrillo College foster youth support services include Guardian Scholars and NextUp. Guardian Scholars/NextUp are holistic support programs for students who have had experience in the foster care system and are working towards earning a degree, certificate, or preparing to transfer to a 4 year university. We are here to help students achieve their educational goals and connect them with resources. NextUp expands support services to eligible students who have been in the foster care system. Foster youth are eligible for Guardian Scholars and/or NextUp. Foster care dependency must be verified to participate in the program.

Guardian Scholars eligibility:

Enrolled in 6+ units
Foster care dependency verification

NextUp eligibility:

Were in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13th birthday
Are no older than 26 years of age at the commencement of any academic year in which the student first enrolls in the program
California resident or AB540 eligible
Enrolled in at least 9 units OR enrolled in fewer than 9 units but with an educational plan designed to move students toward subsequent enrollment in at least 9 units

Services we offer:

Communal center/lounge
Holistic case management
Book voucher
Snack pantry
Computer lab
Free Printing
Academic counseling
Financial aid counseling
Connection to other campus services and programs
Connections to community resources
Scholarships

Staff

Keyiona Ritchey

Guardian Scholars Program Coordinator

Connect with us

(831)479-6115

keritche@cabrillo.edu

Request Foster Youth Verification Letter

Verification Request Form

Prospective Guardian Scholars/NextUp Students

Steps to join the program

Learn More ▼

Steps to join the program

To be part of the Guardian Scholars/NextUp Program you must be enrolled in 6 or more units for Fall or Spring.

Documentation records are maintained at the county you were in foster care. You can call that county's office of child welfare department.

If you were in Foster Care in California you can contact The Ombudsman's Office : Call: 877-846-1602 E-mail: fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov California Ombudsperson for Foster Care . This has been the fastest way students have gotten their documentation.

Please plan ahead as it can sometimes take several weeks for processing your request. If you need assistance, our office can help guide you.

If you've completed the above steps you will need to attend a new student orientation.

During orientation students will complete the application, sign a student agreement, learn about program resources, and what is required to remain in the program.

Location