NextUp offers support to current and former foster youth enrolled in community colleges, helping you shape the future you want. NextUp will be there with you every step along the way from enrollment, working with you to stay in college, and helping you reach the end goal of completing your degree and/or transferring to a UC campus.
This FREE program offers academic counseling support, educational planning, and other services that may include help with priority enrollment, books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food and emergency housing. Depending on financial need and funding availability, the NextUp has been providing students significant funding each semester. NextUp services and funding may vary between colleges.
See what NextUp college students have to say at NextUp Real Stories.
How does the program work?
- Enroll in a course(s) and work with a NextUp counselor to develop an educational plan
- Meet with a counselor 3 times each semester
- Attend 2 workshops each semester (some workshops are held online on Zoom)
Who can get this free service?
Students under age 26 who reside in California and are current or former foster youth (in foster care on or after your 13th birthday).
A dependency letter is required. Get a dependency letter from the state foster care ombudsman website to Request a Verification Letter and for Reason for the letter enter “To determine NextUp Eligibility”.
How do I apply?
- Woodland Community College – Apply here or call 530-661-5728
- American River College – Apply here or call 916-484-8128
- Cosumnes River College – Apply here or call 916-691-7365
- Sacramento City College – Apply here or call 916-558-2403
- Sierra College – Complete the Special Programs Common Application for EOPS, Guardian Scholars, NextUp and TRiO Services
- Folsom Lake College – Apply here or call 916-608-6560