Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) & NextUp Program

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: wendolyne_lopez1@vcccd.edu

 

Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts

• Submit official transcripts (high school, AP scores and/or other colleges/universities you attended) to Admissions and Records to assist with prerequisite clearance and/or receive appropriate college credit.

Step 3: Complete the Online Orientation

• Complete the orientation online through your MyVCCCD portal, under the Student Support section.

Step 4:  Complete your MAP Workshop

• Attend a MAP Workshop online or through a scheduled zoom session.  Zoom MAP sessions are scheduled by career and major communities.
• Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for the session that most closely aligns to their major area of interest.  
• To sign up for a Zoom MAP Workshop or to get more assistance after completing the online MAP workshop, please call the counseling office at 805-289-6448.

Cal Grant B: Financial assistance for educational expenses to qualifying low-income students.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG): Additional funds for full-time students receiving Cal Grant B or C.

California College Promise Grant (CCPG): Waives enrollment fees for eligible students.

VC Student Emergency Grant: Financial support for unforeseen expenses.

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 26th 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.

TEACh Fund Scholarship

Awarded to previous and current foster youth in the foster care system.

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.

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
Independent Living Coordinator
Independent Living Program- In-Care Youth
(805) 385-9136 / vincent.sosapavon@ventura.org

California Department of Social Services

Casey Family Programs

Foster Youth Help

Foster Care to Success

Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP)  (805) 654-3405 or your social worker

TAY Tunnel  (805) 240-2538