Foster Youth Programs and Services

NextUp is an EOPS program intended to serve current and former foster youth students. NextUp offers intentional support and resources to help foster youth students gain confidence, community, and student success.

To be eligible for NextUp students must be: 1) be current or former foster youth in California, 2) were in foster care on or after their 13th birthday, 3) be under 26 years of age at the start of the academic year in which they first enroll in the program.

Visit EOPS NextUp Program webpage for more info. Apply for EOPS NextUp.  

YESS is a comprehensive and integrated program that unites community partners and academic leaders to empower current and former foster youth to successfully transition into independent living. This program is in partnership with and funded by the California Department of Social Services and is hosted on California Community College campuses throughout the state.  

For information on eligibility and services for YESS contact fosteryouth@evc.edu.

If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don't have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation, and rent while you are in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states. More information can be found at Chafee Grants.

• CCC Chancellor's Office - Foster Youth Success Initiatives - Find a directory of the FY Liaisons on all 114 campuses, as well as many other resources, such as webinars, trainings, events, and more.
• Bill Wilson Center - Explore housing options, parenting classes, and many other helpful services the Bill Wilson Center provides.
• Family and Children Services of Silicon Valley (The HUB) - Seek counseling assistance, career advisement, and many other support services.
• Foster Love Rapid Response Program – Non-profit organization program for college students to help address challenges they face throughout their college career.
• HomeFirst - Research what housing opportunities are available to you.
• IFoster.org - Non-profit organization ensuring every child growing up outside their biological home has the resources and opportunities they need to become successful, independent adults. 
• Independent Living Program (ILP) - Explore the transition support services available to foster youth ages 16-21 like budgeting, college enrollment support, housing assistance, and many others.
• NextUp (CAYFES) - Find out what support services are in place at California Community Colleges for foster youth.
• Pivotal.org - Apply for scholarships and learn about other support services available.
• YESS-ILP - A comprehensive and integrated program that unites community partners and colleges to empower current and former foster youth.
• Youth Help Lines - Provides 24-hour youth crisis and helplines.​​​​
• 988 – Crisis and Suicide Lifeline 

• California State University (CSU) - list of foster youth programs and services at every CSU campus
• University of California (UC) - list of foster youth programs and services at every UC campus