NextUP for Foster Youth
NextUP (Foster Youth)
Foster youth services to keep you on track!
NextUp provides personalized advising, financial help, textbook + transportation support, and connections to housing, food, and campus resources so you can stay on track.
If you’re a current or former foster youth, Contra Costa College would love to help make your college experience more positive and rewarding.
Interested former foster youth students should follow the steps below to apply for EOPS and check the “foster youth” box in the EOPS application to be contacted about their eligibility for NextUP supports and services.
Getting Started with EOPS
Please check your InSite email at least twice daily for important updates during this period.
How We Can Help
Contact our office if you need:
- Help completing the college application
- Assistance applying for financial aid, CHAFEE grants and scholarships
- On-campus employment
- Academic advising
- Tutoring
- Priority registration
- Or anything else. If your problem isn’t listed above, call us or come by, anyway. We’ll help you out or try to connect you with someone who can.
Sign Up
If you are a current or former foster youth who attends or is thinking about attending CCC, please contact our office as soon as possible. We’ll connect you with support and services.
After that, make sure you’re following these steps:
- Completing and submitting your CCC, FAFSA and CHAFEE Grant applications, if you haven’t, already
- Meeting with a Foster Youth Liaison and Counselor
- Taking advantage of Priority Registration
- Applying for EOPS
- Considering on-campus employment
- Following up with a counselor and asking about scholarships
- Taking advantage of study / tutor sessions
Some of these items are time sensitive and the deadlines vary depending on when you attend, so be sure to stay in contact so we can help you keep on top of things.
Resources
Assistance League of Diablo Valley Foster Youth Scholarship – If you are a current or former foster youth living in Contra Costa County and heading to or enrolled in college, you may be eligible for this scholarship, which awards $500-$4000 per year.
California College Pathways – Helps students prepare for college and connects them with adults who can help provide tips, tools, and resources. It is highly recommended to foster youth by the Cypress College Guardian Scholars Advisory team.
CalFresh Program – Provides qualified households and individuals with healthy and nutritious food.
California Foster Youth Success Initiative – California Community College program that serves Emancipated Foster Youth.
Independent Living Skills Program – Provides services to Contra Costa County Emancipated Foster Youth.
California Youth Crisis Line – Offers support, encouragement, and referrals to vital resources to youth needing assistance or in crisis situations. Serves 12,000 annually.
Contra Costa County Foster Youth Services – Works collaboratively with local school districts, child welfare agencies, foster care agencies, probation, post-secondary institutions, caregivers, and community organizations to improve the educational gap for children in foster care.
EOPS – Offers counseling, school supplies, transportation assistance (bus pass/parking permit), book vouchers and other services beyond standard student support.
Student Resources
At Contra Costa College, we provide essential resources to support your academic journey. Our Academic Counseling, Basic Needs Center, Career Services, and Transfer Services are designed to help you succeed in your studies, manage personal challenges, prepare for your career, and smoothly transition to four-year institutions.