51ÁÔÆæ

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Empowering Foster Youth to Achieve College & Life Success: NextUp is a state-funded program across California Community Colleges. At 51ÁÔÆæ (IVC), NextUp is dedicated to equipping current and former foster youth with tailored resources, personal guidance, and academic support to overcome barriers, stay enrolled, and achieve their personal and educational goals.

Current and prospective IVC students interested in joining the NextUp program must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Requirements

Current and prospective IVC students interested in joining the NextUp program must meet the following criteria:

  • Foster Care History: Must have been in foster care on or after their 13th birthday (a foster youth verification letter is required).
  • Age Requirement: Must be under 26 years of age at the start of their first academic year in the program. Note: Students will not be exited out of the program after turning age 26.
  • Unit Load: Enrolled in at least 0.5 units, with plans to work toward 9 units.

Program Services

NextUp offers a comprehensive array of specialized resources to promote college retention, degree attainment, and personal well-being:

Academic and Career Support

  • Priority registration  
  • Specialized academic and career counseling
  • Student Success Workshops

Financial and Educational Assistance

  • Book Vouchers
  • Essential classroom supplies
  • Scholarship and financial aid (FAFSA) assistance

Basic Needs and Health Coordination

  • Emergency housing and food assistance
  • Transportation and childcare support
  • Mental health service connections

How to Apply for NextUp

If you are interested in joining NextUp and believe you may be eligible, follow the simple steps below. Once submitted, a team member will reach out to guide you through the rest of the process.

To apply for NextUp, students must submit a Ward of the Court or Dependency verification letter. Instructions for obtaining this letter depend on the student's current foster status:

  • Current Foster Youth: Students currently in care should contact their county child welfare agency, probation office, or social worker to request a Ward of the Court letter.
  • Former Foster Youth: Former foster youth in California can request a verification letter through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS):
    • Online: Submit a request through the .
    • By Phone: Call the Foster Care Ombudsman’s Office toll-free at 1-877-846-1602.

Once you have requested or obtained your verification document, complete the to begin the official intake process.

After submitting your application and verification, a team member will review your materials and contact you directly to support you with your next steps!

Need Help?

Don't let paperwork get in the way. If you have questions or get stuck at any point, reach out to us at nextup@ivc.edu and we’ll help you as best we can!

Other IVC Foster Youth Programs

IVC also offers the Guardian Scholars Program which serves all current and former foster youth who are under the age of 35 and whose dependency was established or continued at any time by the court.

Guardian Scholars Program

The Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success – Independent Living Program (YESS-ILP) is a supportive and empowering program designed specifically for current and former foster youth at 51ÁÔÆæ.

YESS-ILP 51ÁÔÆæ