The Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) program provides service to identified and verified current or former foster youth attending Ventura College. Our goal is to provide student support services to foster youth which will prepare and invest in the youth during their post-secondary educational journey. A FYSI Liaison provides individual support to foster youth on campus. The role of an FYSI Liaison is to:
If you are a current or former foster youth and would like more information about financial aid at Ventura College, please contact: Wendolyne Lopez |
Priority Registration |
California Assembly Bill 194 was designed to improve the chances of success for current and former foster youth. The law, which took effect January 1, 2012, grants student who are or have been in foster care priority registration for college courses. In order to receive priority registration, students must complete the following: Step 1: Submit Verification of Current or Previous Foster Care Status to the FYSI Liaison Step 2: Complete New Student Orientation Online at MyVCCCD
Step 3: Complete English & Math Assessments
Step 4: Attend a Group Counseling Session
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Scholarship and Grant Opportunities for Foster Youth |
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California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth May qualify for up to $5,000 a year. Must be a current or former foster youth and not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July of the award year. The court must have established your dependency when you were between the ages of 16 and 18. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will verify your foster youth eligibility status. Ventura College Foundation Scholarship Program To assist students currently enrolled at Ventura College for academic excellence. Awarded to previous and current foster youth in the foster care system. |
Important DCFS Information |
Supervised Independent Living Placement (SLIP) The Supervised Independent Living Placement (SLIP) is a new placement option for youth ages 18 to 21. If you are a youth in foster care placement, enrolled in college or working 80 hours per month, who turned age 18 on or after January 1, 2012, you can remain in foster care until age 20 under a Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP). Beginning January 1, 2014, qualified youth can participate in extended foster care until age 21. SILP was created by California’s Fostering Connections to Success Act (also known as AB12). Upon completing a SILP Readiness Assessment, youth can receive direct financial support while living independently in an apartment, renting a room, residing in a college dorm and sharing a setting with a roommate. Contact your ILP Coordinator or Social Worker for information on how to apply. California Fostering Connections to Success Act Independent Living Coordinator An Independent Living Coordinator provides assistance to current and former foster/probation youth who are between 16-21 years of age. The ILP Coordinator is available to help current and former foster youth. vincent.sosapavon@ventura.org |
Foster Youth Resources |
California Department of Social Services Housing Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP) (805) 654-3405 or your social worker Health TAY Tunnel (805) 240-2538 |