The NextUp program offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services while attending a California Community College.

The Guardian Scholars Program aims to connect current and former foster youth with a support system to help develop the tools needed to succeed in, through, and beyond college.

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Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the NextUp program, students must:

• Foster Care History: Have been in foster care for at least one day on or after their 13th birthday, in any state.
   
• Age Requirement: Be under 26 years old at the start of the academic year in which they first enroll in the program. Students who enroll before turning 26 may continue participation beyond age 26, and those who disenroll and return after age 26 may be readmitted.
   
• Enrollment Status: Be enrolled in or planning to enroll in at least nine units or follow an education plan designed to reach nine units. Students with fewer units may be accepted if part of a Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) academic accommodation plan.
   
• Be enrolled in at least 9 units or have an educational plan leading toward enrollment in 9 units (unless verified as part of DSPS).
   
• Submit a Court Verification Letter to verify foster youth status.

Have you completed your FAFSA?

• If no, it MUST be completed prior to the beginning of the Spring 2026 semester in order to be eligible for EOPS. Your application will not be complete without a current FAFSA.
  
  Click Here to complete the 2026-27 FAFSA

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Please proceed to the Next Page if you meet the Eligibility Requirements.

Questions? Contact us at eops@avc.edu