Eligibility/Services

• Be a current or former foster youth in California whose dependency was established or continued by a court of competent jurisdiction, including a tribal court, on or after the youth's 13th birthday.
• A student is eligible to enroll in the Inspire Scholars/NextUp program and shall receive Inspire Scholars/NextUp services as long as they are physically present in California when enrolling and receiving program services, even if their dependency status was established outside of California.
• Verification of dependency is required; assistance is available with obtaining verification.
• Be no older than 25 years of age at the commencement of any academic year in which the student first enrolls in Inspire Scholars/NextUp.
• 9-unit enrollment minimum or College of the Canyons educational plan to enroll in 9 units in a subsequent semester.

Foster Youth in care at any time.

Verification of dependency is required assistance is available with obtaining verification.

Must be present in California to receive services.

Up to age 35

No enrollment minimum

Services and financial support are based upon available funding and may not be equivalent between both groups identified above in the eligibility section.

• Educational, Career and Personal Counseling (as related to academics)
• Priority Registration
• Grants (NextUp Students Only)
• Meal cards (NextUp Students Only)
• Transportation cards (NextUp Students Only)
• School Supply Assistance
• Transfer fee waivers
• Letters of recommendation
• Inspire Scholars institutional scholarship (must apply in spring semester)
• Academic Advocacy
• Progress Monitoring
• Resource Referrals
• Snacks
• Personal Care Supplies
• Workshops, Meet-ups, Special events