NextUp

About NextUp

NextUp - Financial support for current and former foster youth

Sometimes, the hardest part about getting your college education is steering your way around all the bumps in the road. Most students will face challenges throughout this journey. That's where NextUp comes in.

NextUp provides community college students like you with resources that make a difference. The program offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food, and emergency housing.

You're committed to the goal of achieving a college education, and we are committed to helping you get it.

Your part is to:

Work towards creating the future you want.
Focus on the steps outlined in your education plan.
Meet with a counselor several times each semester to make the most of your college experience.

Student Eligibility

The key expansions to NextUp eligibility include students who:

Were in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13th birthday. Documentation may be required.
Are enrolled in or planning to enroll in at least nine units or agree to an education plan with the future goal of enrolling in nine units.
Be under 26 years of age before July 1st of the academic year.
Enroll in the NextUp program prior to age 26, disenroll, and subsequently return after turning 26 may be readmitted to the same or another NextUp program.

Award Amount

Monetary awards vary, but current and former foster youth also receive perks such as priority registration, counseling services, tutoring, textbook support, and career and transfer assistance. The Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award has a maximum of 8 years of lifetime grant eligibility or until you complete a bachelor's degree. The Chafee Grant program is available to any applicant who is or was in foster care between the ages of 16 to 18. Applicants may qualify for $5,000 a year for career and technical training. Current and former foster youth no more than 25 years old by July 1 of the award year are not subject to loss of the California College Promise Grant fee waiver.

Important Student Forms

Mutual Responsibility Contract

Student Authorization and Certification

Resources

Foundation for California Community Colleges

Foster Care Outreach

California Student Aid Commission

Contact NextUp

Patrick Walton, Vice President of Student Services / NextUp Director
Gabbi Aston, CalWORKs/NextUp Program Specialist
Julia Franco, Administrative Assistant II, EOPS/CalWORKs/CARE/NextUp

College of the Siskiyous
EOPS/CARE/NextUp and CalWORKs Office, Eddy Hall 3
800 College Avenue
Weed CA 96094

Email: nextup@siskiyous.edu
Phone: (530) 938-5309

Student Support Programs