For Current or Former Foster Youths:

NextUP and Guardian Scholars

 

NextUP logo

 

This website will explain who is eligible for NextUP or Guardian Scholars, how to apply and what services are available.

Guardian Scholars logo


What Do NextUP and Guardian Scholars Offer?

If you're a current or former foster youth, you may qualify for support and resources through the NextUP or Guardian Scholars programs. Each program has slightly different rules for eligibility, but they offer similar services. (When you submit the EOPS application, we'll help figure out which program is the right one to assist you.

Services Available Through Guardian Scholars and NextUP

Both programs will provide current and former foster youth with

  • Priority registration
  • Academic, career and personal counseling
  • Assistance with completing the FAFSA and other applications for financial aid, including the Chafee Grant and scholarships
  • Gas cards or other transportation assistance
  • Meal vouchers
  • Mental health services on campus
  • Referrals for other resources, on and off campus
  • Specialized workshops

Additional Services If You Qualify

Depending on your current age and your age when you were in foster care, you may qualify for additional financial grants or textbook vouchers.

You may also qualify for additional services if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for EOPS. Learn more on the EOPS: Services and How to Apply webpage.



Who Is Eligible?

If you are a current or former foster youth, you probably qualify for one of these programs. You only need to fill out one application, and we'll help you figure out which program is the right one to assist you.

  • NextUP is designed for students who were in foster care from the age of 13 on, and you must join the program before you turn 26
  • Guardian Scholars has no age limitations and is open to any current or former foster youth.

You may also qualify for additional services if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for EOPS. Learn more on the EOPS: Services and How to Apply webpage.



How to Apply

There is no deadline to apply for NextUP or Guardian Scholars.

New Students (Never Attended De Anza Before)

  1. If you haven't already applied for admission to De Anza, you'll need to submit the application for admission 
  2. Review the program eligibility requirements listed under the "Who Is Eligible?" heading on this webpage
  3. If you believe you may be eligible, you must then do both of these:

Current or Returning De Anza Students

  1. If you did not take classes at De Anza during the previous quarter – fall, winter or spring – you'll need to submit a new application for admission. (You don't need to do this if you only skipped summer session.)
  2. Be sure that you have completed the assessment process AND declared a major (not "undecided") AND selected a goal of transfer, degree or certificate.
  3. Review the program eligibility requirements listed under the "Who Is Eligible?" heading on this webpage
  4. If you believe you may be eligible, you must do both of these:

Got Questions?

For questions about NextUP, Guardian Scholars or services for foster youth at De Anza, please send an email to nextupgsp@fhda.edu 

Counselors and Resources for Foster Youth

our counselors logoTo schedule a meeting with one of our counselors, you must first apply and be admitted to the Guardian Scholars or NextUP program, so you can access the Guardian Scholars/NextUP site on Canvas. You'll find the link to the scheduling form on that Canvas site.

Flora Payne photo

Flora Payne
Counselor and Coordinator – Guardian Scholars

payneflora@deanza.edu
408.864.5323
Campus Center 132

Long Phan photo

Long Phan
Counselor – Guardian Scholars and NextUP

phanlong@deanza.edu
408.864.5549
Campus Center 133

Click Here To See More Resources for Foster Youth 

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