FOSTER YOUTH

EDUCATIONAL
PLANNING GUIDE

Community Colleges train 70% of

California nurses and 80% of our states
firefighters, law enforcement personnel,
and emergency medical technicians.

More than half of

Californias teachers are
CSU graduates.

More UC
academic programs
are consistently
rated among the
top 10 nationally
than any other
public or private
university.

PART 1: COLLEGE PATHWAYS

On average, a person with a 2-year associates degree

earns $6,500 more every year than a person with only a high
school diploma. With a 4-year bachelors degree, the difference
rises to $22,000 more per year.
College can be the ticket to a fulfilling life and a great career. It
dramatically increases career options and college graduates earn
substantially more money throughout their lifetimes. And the
sooner you start preparing, the more college options you will have.
This guide is designed to help you chart your course to the
college that is right for your interests and career goals. It will also
direct you to the support and resources available for foster youth
scholars that can help you turn your dreams into degrees.

PART 1

College Pathways presents

the options available for higher
education.

PART 2

College Preparation
Guidelines provides details
that you can use to create an
education plan from middle
school through high school to
help you advance to the college
of your choice.

PART 3

Resources for Foster Youth

describes some of the help
available to assist you every step
of the way.

PART 1: COLLEGE PATHWAYS

More than half of all

CSU graduates were community
college transfer students.

Nearly one in three

UC graduates transferred from
a community college.

California offers a variety of affordable college options in every

corner of the state, and many of them have specific programs to
support foster youth scholars.
There are three segments of public higher education in California
the California Community Colleges (CCC) system, the California
State University (CSU) system, and the University of California
(UC) system. In addition, there are a wide range of private
independent colleges.

ALL COLLEGES FALL INTO TWO CATEGORIES:

SELECTIVE COLLEGES

OPEN-ACCESS COLLEGES

UC, CSU, private colleges and universities

California Community Colleges

Require completion of a-g courses in high school,

a minimum grade point average and test scores

Open to everyone

4-year programs in a variety of fields leading to a

bachelors degree (e.g., BA or BS)

2-year or shorter programs in a variety of fields leading

to an associates degree (e.g., AA or AS), transfer to a
4-year university, and/or career certificates

Higher tuition costs, however, financial aid may

be available

Lower tuition costs, sometimes waived for

low-income students

Generally have onsite campus housing available

Generally do not have onsite campus housing

(with a few exceptions)

Which path is right for

you will depend on your interests,
career goals, and educational
background. This guide will help
you get onand stay onthe
path that is right for you.

PART 1: COLLEGE PATHWAYS

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY
COLLEGES (CCC) SYSTEM
Community colleges are
Californias most accessible and
least expensive higher education
option. Most programs dont
require that you have a certain
grade point average (GPA)
and there are no tests to take
or essays to write in order
to be admitted. Community
colleges offer students training
and education in more than
175 different fields. With 113
campuses across the state, theres
guaranteed to be one near you.

MOST ACCESSIBLE
LEAST EXPENSIVE
NO GPA MINIMUM
NO ADMISSIONS TEST
NO ESSAYS TO WRITE
TO APPLY
2-YEAR ASSOCIATES
PRIORITY TRANSFER
ADMISSION TO
CSU AND UC

At a community college you can:

obtain a 2-year associates degree (e.g., AA or AS),
transfer to a 4-year university, or
train for a particular career path through Career Technical
Education (CTE). Short-term certificate programs in a particular
field (for example as a Medical Assistant, Auto Mechanic, Early
Child Development Specialist, Landscape Designer, etc.) can
quickly provide you with the skills and tools you need to find a
job in your field of choice.
A select number of community colleges also offer 4-year bachelors
degrees in certain high-demand fields in the areas of health, science
and technology.

Beware!
In addition to the California
Community Colleges, private
vocational schools like those that
you may have seen advertised on television offer CTE programs, but
typically at a much higher cost. Some of these schools may charge
tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, leaving you owing as much
as $30,000 to $60,000 even if you drop out before completing the
program. Exercise extreme caution and discuss the pros and cons
with an advisor, mentor or other adult whom you trust before
choosing a privately based program.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY

(CSU) SYSTEM
The CSU system includes 23 23 CAMPUSES
campuses across California
4-YEAR BACHELORS
and offers qualified students
PRIORITY ADMISSION
a path towards a 4-year
FROM CCC
bachelors degree (e.g., BA or
BS). Students who graduate
from CSUs go on to work in some of Californias most important
jobsfrom teaching and social work to health care and technology.
A California Community College student who has earned an
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) will be granted priority
admission to the CSU into a similar bachelors degree program
with a guarantee of junior standing as long as the student meets all
admission requirements.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
(UC) SYSTEM
150 DISCIPLINES

The University of California

4-YEAR BACHELORS
campuses offer 4-year degree
programs in more than 150
PRIORITY ADMISSION
disciplines, one of the broadest
FROM CCC
ranges of study of any university
in the world. Each year thousands of students enter as freshmen or
as transfer students from community colleges. UC gives California
Community College students first priority over other transfer
applicants, and many campuses offer guaranteed admission for
well-prepared transfer students.

PART 2: COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

The earlier you begin preparing for college the

better. Youll have more options for schools to attend
and youll be better prepared for college-level work.
If you want to attend a CSU or UC campus, the selective admission process requires certain courses from 8th grade on known as the a-g
course requirements (see pg 13). The following plan explains the steps to take each year to meet those requirements.
Depending on what grade you are in when you start your planning, some of these steps may not apply to you. If you have not met the
requirements or timetable for attending a CSU or UC or are interested in a career path that does not require a 4-year degree, dont worry!
You can enroll in a community college by following the steps outlined on this checklist for the 12th grade.

START WITH
GETTING ORGANIZED:

Start a binder to place all information related to college.

Keep copies of test scores and/or write down dates of tests taken.
Save your log-in name and passwords for online registration, etc.

6TH & 7TH GRADES

Advising & Record-keeping
Talk to your school counselor about courses that will prepare
you for college and create an academic plan to take college
preparatory courses. Check out How to Get to College at
www.gotocalstate.com.
Have your guardian(s) or other supportive adult in your life
attend the education planning night at the middle school
where local high school counselors present their programs
and schedules.
Start a binder to keep all information related to college.
Keep copies of test scores and save your log-in names and
passwords for college-related websites.
Coursework
Obtain the College Preparatory a-g course list at
www.csumentor.edu or www.ucop.edu.
Complete a college prep English course.
Take mathematics, such as Pre-Algebra.

ITS NOT
TOO
EARLY!

PART 2: COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

9TH GRADE
Advising & Record-keeping
Attend an orientation session at your new school.
Meet with your high school counselor.
Create a file for keeping track of everything related to education
and career: include your grade reports and honors or awards
you receive. Keep a record of extracurricular activities like paid
employment, school clubs, sports, music, and volunteer work. If
you transfer to a new school, get a copy of your school record
and keep it in this file. If you update this every semester it will make
filling out the college application easy.
Begin or update your High School Planner at
www.csumentor.edu/planning or www.californiacolleges.edu.

8TH GRADE
Advising & Record-keeping
Begin your High School Planner at www.csumentor.edu/planning/
or at www.californiacolleges.edu. The planner has information
on courses and grades required for college admission. Update
your High School Planner every semester, and if you decide to apply
to a CSU, your course information will automatically transfer to your
applicationmaking the application process much easier!
Coursework
Develop a tentative schedule of specific courses for grades 9-12
using the College Preparatory a-g course list and a list of CTE
(Career Technical Education) course lists for high schools in
your area.
Take Pre-Algebra or Algebra I or another rigorous math course.
Take a language other than English.
Find programs to help you succeed in college prep courses on
page 13.
Testing
Take the 8th grade ACT Aspire assessment test (formerly ACT
Explore and ACT Plan) to help you gauge progress towards
college preparedness. Ask your school counselor for information about
how to sign up and about getting a fee waiver.
Career Planning
See your school counselor about taking a career interest and
aptitude assessment.
Participate in career awareness activities.

Coursework
Take the required college preparatory a-g coursework including:
Algebra I or Geometry, college prep English, and a foreign language.
Elective courses that meet college admission standards: history,
English, mathematics, science, visual and performing arts, and a
foreign language.
Aim for As and Bs in all your classes; focus on developing good
study habits.
Register for AP (Advanced Placement) and honors courses for
10th grade, if available.
Find programs to help you succeed in college prep courses on
page 13.
Testing
Optional: Take the 9th grade ACT Aspire assessment test.
Career Planning
Participate in career exploration activities.
Update your career interest and aptitude assessment (or take one
if you have not already).
Participate in a community project.

PART 2: COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

10TH GRADE
Advising & Record-keeping
Talk with your guardian(s) or other supportive adult in your life about your
educational choices and review your course load to make sure you are satisfying
high school graduation and college entrance requirements.
Visit college campuses and attend college fairs.
Contact your local ILP (Independent Living Program) to find out about college
visits or other planning services they sponsor.
Update your High School Planner at www.csumentor.edu/planning or www.
californiacolleges.edu.
Coursework
Take the required college preparatory a-g coursework including Geometry or
Algebra II, college prep English and electives.
Take part in enrichment programs, summer workshops and camps in subjects like
music, science, engineering, writing, filmmaking, and others.
Register for AP (Advanced Placement) and honors courses for 11th grade, if
available.
Find programs to help you succeed in college prep courses on page 13.
Testing
If you plan to attend CSU or UC:
October: Register for the PSAT, a practice exam for the SAT.
Ask your counselor for a fee waiver code when registering online for the PSAT.
Take the 10th grade ACT Aspire assessment test. Ask your school counselor
about a fee waiver.
AP (Advanced Placement) students:
March: Register to take the AP exam in the spring.You can earn college credit for
AP courses if you score well on the test(s), which may exempt you from taking
entry-level classes in college and shorten the time it takes you to finish college.
Ask your school counselor about a fee waiver.
Career Planning
Participate in career awareness, career exploration and career preparation
activities.
Find out about career-related and occupational programs at your high school
and sign up for those that interest you.
Update your career interest and aptitude assessment (or take one if you
havent already).
Explore educational requirements of careers that interest you.
Participate in a community project.
Prepare for and participate in a summer internship.

PART 2: COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

11TH GRADE
Advising & Record-keeping
Review the classes you need to take for college admissions
with your school counselor, including Algebra II or advanced
mathematics and English with emphasis on writing and critical
reading.
Review your academic record with your school counselor;
strengthen any weak or problem areas.
Attend financial aid information sessions at your high school, local
ILP (Independent Living Program) or local colleges.
Attend college fairs and college planning sessions with your
guardian or other supportive adult.
Use spring break or summer vacation to tour college campuses.
Have questions prepared in advance and take notes on your visits.
Check your transcript at the end of the year to make sure it is
correct.
Update your High School Planner at www.csumentor.edu/planning
or www.californiacolleges.edu.
Coursework
Enroll in honors, AP and advanced courses if possible.
Select courses for your senior year that strengthen your academic
record and ensure that you meet the a-g requirements.
Register for AP (Advanced Placement) and honors courses for
12th grade, if available.
Find programs to help you succeed in college prep courses on
page 13.
Applying for Financial Aid
Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application
for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.gov by March 2. If you miss
the March 2 deadline, you can still apply, but less financial aid may
be available. By applying in your junior year you may receive aid
for summer bridge programs after you graduate high school.
Identify yourself as a foster youth by marking yes on the question
asking if you are an orphan or ward of the court or foster youth
on the FAFSA.

Testing
AP (Advanced Placement) students:
March: Register to take the AP exam in the spring.You can earn
college credit for AP courses if you score well on the test(s),
which may exempt you from taking entry-level classes in college
and shorten the time it takes you to finish college. Ask your
counselor about a fee waiver.
If you plan to attend CSU or UC:
Register for the ACT or the SAT two months before the exam.
If you take the exam in the spring or summer, you will get the
results in time to see if you need to retake it in the fall of 12th
grade. Many CSU campuses require you to take the ACT or SAT
by October of your senior year. Ask your counselor for a fee
waiver code.
CSU EAP (Early Assessment Program):
All 11th graders will participate in the CAASPP (California
Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) exam. Included
on the CAASPP Individual Student Score Report provided by your
high school is an EAP score which provides an indicator of your
readiness to take college-level English and math courses before
you attend college.
Important: Mark the release button at the end of each exam to
ensure that the CSU campus(es) you are applying to receive your
EAP results. If you do not mark the release button for each test, you
will be required to submit your EAP results to the CSU campus(es)
upon request. (NOTE: EAP results are not used for admission.) Visit
www.csusuccess.org for more info.
Career Planning
Participate in career awareness, career exploration and career
preparation activities.
Explore careers by taking a summer job or job shadowing in your
field of interest.
Update your career interest and aptitude assessment (or take one
if you havent already).
Explore educational requirements of careers that interest you.
Identify educational goals and schools consistent with your career
interests.
Participate in a community project.
Prepare for and participate in a summer internship or work
experience.

10 PART 2: COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

12TH GRADE FALL SEMESTER

Advising & Record-keeping
Review courses with your school counselor to make sure you
are meeting high school graduation and entrance requirements
for the colleges that interest you.
Search for scholarship money using the scholarship search
function at www.californiacolleges.edu or other scholarship
search sites.
Attend ILP workshops, college fairs, college planning sessions, and
financial aid information sessions.
Visit college campuses that are a good match with your
credentials and career interests. Many students who apply to
selective colleges select three to five schools to apply to: their
dream school, their safety school, and two to three other
choices. For foster youth, applying to up to four UC and four CSU
campuses is free.
If you plan to attend a California Community College with the
intent to transfer to a CSU, visit www.calstate.edu/transfer/ for
transfer pathways.
Update your High School Planner at www.csumentor.edu/planning
or www.californiacolleges.edu.
Coursework
Complete all final a-g course requirements. Be sure to take an
English and math course to keep your skills strong for your first
year in college. Advanced math courses such as Trigonometry or
Analytic Geometry/Calculus are also recommended.
Find programs to help you succeed in college prep courses on
page 13.
Testing
If you plan to attend CSU or UC:
Early September: Register for the October ACT (American College
Test) or SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test).
Early November: Register for the December ACT or SAT if you are
retaking the exam.
Applying to College
August - September
Contact the foster youth liaison at the college of your
choice to find out about your eligibility for foster youth and
EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services) or EOP
(Educational Opportunity Programs) support and important dates
and application procedures. For info, visit www.cacollegepathways.
org/find-campus-support-programs.
Get an email address for yourself that is strictly for college
application information.

If you plan to attend CSU or UC:

Start your personal essay for college admission. The essay will be
used to complete applications for CSU EOP, UC and scholarships.
Get coaching and feedback from your counselors. If you are
comfortable doing so, include information about your foster care
experience in your essay.
Request letters of recommendation be written by November 15
from three individuals who can write strong recommendations
for you for your EOP and scholarship applications. (Letters of
recommendation are not required for CSU/UC admission.)
October - November
If you plan to attend CSU or UC:
Finish your personal essay for your EOP and scholarship applications.
Have your high school counselor or other advisor proofread your
application, including any essays, before submitting it.
Apply to CSU (www.csumentor.edu) and/or UC (www.
universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions). If you regularly updated
your High School Planner, your course information will be
automatically transferred to your application. Application deadline
is November 30, unless otherwise noted. For foster youth, up to
four CSU and four UC applications are free.
Dont forget to press the submit button on your college application and
ALWAYS print out copies of applications submitted online.
Double check your transcript to make sure all the information
is correct.
Have your transcripts sent to requesting colleges. Save one
copy for yourself.
Apply for on-campus housing (dorms or residence halls) for
each college campus that you are applying to and place your name
on the waitlist, if needed. As a foster youth, you may have priority
access to on-campus housing.
Check with your social worker or caregivers about the payments
and deposits for college. Some colleges require an upfront deposit
for on-campus housing and only accept checks or credit cards.
Check for assistance to pay these.
Apply for the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) when
you submit your CSU or UC application. Include your letters of
recommendation.

PART 2: COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

11

12TH GRADE SPRING SEMESTER

Applying to College
If you plan to attend a community college:
Complete the college application at www.cccapply.org. Identify
yourself as a foster youth on the application to ensure that you
are able to access all benefits for which you are eligible.
Contact the foster youth liaison at the college to find out about
your eligibility for foster youth and EOPS support programs
and important dates and application procedures. Attend any
orientations they offer. For info, visit www.cacollegepathways.org/
find-campus-support-programs.
Meet with a counselor at the college to create your education
plan. If you are enrolled in EOPS or CAFYES, you will receive
counseling through those programs. (Bring transcripts and
assessment test results to your counseling appointment.)
If you plan to transfer to a 4-year college from community college,
meet with a counselor early in your enrollment to develop an
education plan and map out the appropriate sequence of courses
to get you where you want to go.Youll want to ensure that all
your coursework units are transferable.
Enroll in an orientation course designed to familiarize you with
the college and its services, assist you in selecting classes and
create your abbreviated SEP (Student Education Plan). See the
current Schedule of Classes for available counseling courses.
Ask your school counselor to send your final high school
transcript to the college you will attend.
Obtain a letter that verifies that you were in foster care from your
social worker and keep it in a safe place.You will need this to qualify
for certain benefits available only to foster youth. If you have exited
foster care and no longer have a social worker, you can obtain a
letter verifying that you were previously in foster care by calling the
Foster Care Ombudsmans office at 877-846-1602.

Testing
AP (Advanced Placement) students:
March: Take the AP exam(s).You can earn college credit for AP
courses if you score well on the test(s), which may exempt you
from taking entry-level classes in college and shorten the time it
takes you to finish college. Have the scores sent to the schools
where you are applying. Ask your counselor about a fee waiver.
If you plan to attend a community college:
Take any assessment tests required by the school you will attend.
Assessments in English or English as a Second Language (ESL)
and Mathematics will be used by counselors to help you choose
classes. See the college website or current Schedule of Classes
for the assessment schedule. At many colleges you must make
an appointment at the college assessment center to be assessed.
You will be required to show a picture I.D. and your Student
I.D. number at the time of the assessment. Your scores on the
assessment tests determine if you can enroll directly in
college level English and math classes or if you will need to
take basic skills classes first. Check the colleges website or
those of other community colleges for information about
how to prepare for these tests.
If you plan to attend CSU:
Register for the CSU required Entry Level Math and/or English
Placement Test (unless you are exempt because of test scores),
which is required prior to enrollment in the CSU. For more
information on the CSU placement tests go to www.csusuccess.org.

12 PART 2: COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

12TH GRADE SPRING SEMESTER

(CONTINUED)
Applying for Financial Aid and
Academic Assistance
Financial aid programs have limited funding
the earlier you apply, the more you may receive.
Get a FAFSA FSA-ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/
Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application
for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.gov or California Dream
Application at www.caldreamact.org by March 2. If you miss the
March 2 deadline, you can still apply, but less financial aid is likely
to be available.You can start completing the FAFSA as early as
October 1 for the following fall term.
Identify yourself as a foster youth by marking yes on the question
asking if you are an orphan or ward of the court or foster youth
on the FAFSA.
Apply online for the Chafee Grant at www.chafee.csac.ca.gov. Up
to $5,000 in grant funds may be available for eligible foster youth.
Check to see that your high school sent your Cal Grant GPA
Verification form to the California State Aid Commission (CSAC).
Apply for any private scholarships for which you may be eligible.
If you plan to attend a community college:
Apply for EOPS/CAFYES (CAFYES available at certain colleges
only) by contacting the EOPS office at the school to which you
are applying for information about application requirements and
deadlines.
Apply for DSPS (Disabled Student Programs and Services),
which provides support if you have a disability, including a
learning disability.
Determine if the college you will be attending has a foster
youth support program and contact the program to determine
participation requirements.You can find programs at www.
cacollegepathways.org/find-campus-support-programs.
If you plan to attend CSU or UC:
Apply to participate in campus support programs for foster
youth like Guardian Scholars and Renaissance Scholars. You
can find programs at www.cacollegepathways.org/find-campussupport-programs.
Apply for EOP at the same time that you submit your
admissions application.

Enrollment and Fees

If you plan to attend a community college:
Register ASAP: as a current or former foster youth, you may be
entitled to register prior to the general registration period. Classes
fill up fast, and getting into the classes you want is important to
keeping your education plan, as well as your financial aid, on track.
Determine in advance if you are eligible and take advantage of this
option.You must complete orientation, assessment and an education
plan to qualify for priority enrollment. See the website of the school you
plan to attend for more information.
Pay enrollment fees and any nominal health and/or student activity
fees, due at the time of registration. Check in advance with the
Admissions Office for acceptable forms of payment; many can be
made online. You may qualify for a waiver of certain fees. Check with
the foster youth liaison at the college you plan to attend and make sure
you have applied for a BOG fee waiver to have your course enrollment
fees waived.
Warning! Dis-enrollment may occur after registration if fees have
not been paid within a certain time frame. Check with the college
Admissions Office for deadlines.
If you plan to attend CSU or UC:
Pay a nonrefundable deposit for freshmen tuition to the
college you plan to attend, if required, to hold your spot.
Pay any on-campus housing deposits required to secure your
housing. As a foster youth, you may be entitled to priority access to
on-campus housing.
Register ASAP: as a current or former foster youth, you may be
entitled to register prior to the general registration period. Classes
fill up fast, and getting into the classes you want is important to
keeping your education plan, as well as your financial aid, on track.
Determine in advance if you are eligible and take advantage of
this option.

PART 3: RESOURCES

13

WHAT ARE THE a-g REQUIREMENTS?

The California State University and the University of California require the college preparatory pattern of classes referred to as the
a-g courses for admission.

a. History / Social Science

Two years, including one year of world

history, cultures and historical geography and
one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of
U.S. history and one-half year ofAmerican
government or civics.

b.

English Four years of college

preparatory English thatintegrates reading
of classic and modern literature, frequent
and regular writing, and practice listening and
speaking.

c. Math Three years of college-

preparatory mathematics that include or

integratethe topics covered in elementary
and advanced algebra and two- and threedimensional geometry.

d. Laboratory Science Two years

of laboratory science providing fundamental
knowledge in at least two of the three
disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

e. Language (other than

English) Two years of the same language

other than English or equivalent to the
second level of high school instruction.

f. Visual and Performing

Arts One yearchosen fromdance, music,

theater or the visual arts.

g. College Preparatory

Elective One year chosen from the a-f

courses beyond those used to satisfy the
requirements above, or courses that have
been approved solely in the elective area.

Note: More than 4,000 high school career/technical classes are accepted as fulfilling one of the a-g course requirements.
See a-g course lists at www.ucop.edu/agguide or www.gotocsu.com to find out which ones qualify.

RESOURCES FOR FOSTER YOUTH IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

Advancement Via
Individual Determination
(AVID): This college prep program
helps students succeed in classes they
need for college and increases their
chances of enrolling in 4-year colleges.
Ask your CASA, guardian or other
trusted adult to help you speak with
your school counselor or foster youth
education liaison about AVID. These
programs can fill up so ask as early as
you can. www.avid.org
California CareerZone:
A free web-based career exploration
system where students can learn about
their career interests. Videos showcase
a day in the life of someone in that
occupation. www.cacareerzone.com

Early Academic Outreach

Program (EAOP): Each UC
campus has an EAOP office to work
directly with students at underserved
schools to increase the number
of students who achieve a college
education. www.eaop.org
Mathematics, Engineering,
Science Achievement
(MESA): MESA provides
individualized academic plans, academic
excellence workshops in math and
science, study skills training, PSAT
and SAT preparation, hands-on math
and science competition, career and
college exploration, interaction with
industry representatives, and caregiver
involvement. www.mesa.ucop.edu

Puente: Puente programs in

high schools and community colleges
throughout the state support
educationally disadvantaged students
to complete college degrees and
serve as mentors and leaders to the
future generation. This interdisciplinary
approach includes writing, counseling
and mentoring components.
puente.berkeley.edu
Upward Bound: Serves
foster youth who are preparing to
enter postsecondary education with
programs in math, laboratory science,
composition, literature, and languages
other than English. Ask your CASA,
guardian or other trusted adult to help
you speak with your school counselor
or foster youth education liaison about
Upward Bound. These programs can fill
up so ask as early as you can.

14 PART 3: RESOURCES

BENEFITS AND RESOURCES FOR FOSTER YOUTH AT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

California Community Colleges Board of
Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver: Allows low-income
students at community colleges to have enrollment fees waived.
Contact the college that you will be attending to find out how
to apply for the fee waiver; you may be able to apply through
www.cccapply.org.
California Community Colleges Extended
Opportunity Programs and Services
(EOPS): All California community colleges offer EOPSto
enable low-income, educationally disadvantaged students
to complete their educational goals. EOPS offers academic
counseling, book grants and more.These programs have limited
space so its important to apply as early as possible.

Cooperative Agencies Resources for

Education (CARE) and CalWORKs: CARE and
CalWORKs programs offer additional assistance to single headof-household parents who receive public assistance. Students may
be eligible to receive grants, child care assistance, job placement
assistance, and under certain conditions, post-employment skills
training, and instructional services.
Disabled Student Programs and Services
(DSPS): These programs provide assistance and
accommodations for students with physical, mental and/or
learning disabilities that facilitate them in achieving their
educational goals. They can provide note-taking assistance, special
test-taking conditions, interpreters, and assistive technology.

Campus Support Programs (CSP) for

Foster Youth: Many community colleges have
support programs specifically for foster youth. Services can
include assistance with admissions, financial aid, housing,
orientation, advisement, counseling, and tutoring. Visit www.
cacollegepathways.org/find-campus-support-programs.

Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI)

Liaisons: Every community college has a foster youth
liaison designated to assist foster youth in accessing financial
aid, scholarships, student services, and resources. Visit www.
cacollegepathways.org/find-campus-support-programs/fosteryouth-success-initiative-fysi/.

Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth

Educational Support (CAFYES): Students
under age 26, who were in foster care on or after their 16th
birthday and enrolled in at least 9 units at one of 26 colleges
with a CAFYES program, qualify for special assistance including
one-on-one support, book vouchers, and additional financial
resources. To find out which colleges have programs visit www.
cacollegepathways.org/find-campus-support-programs/cafyes/.

Physical and Mental Health Services:

May include physical exams, family planning, pregnancy testing,
prescription refills, and counseling for grief or loss, emotional
difficulties, worry and anxiety.
Priority Registration for Foster Youth:
This benefit makes it much easier to enroll in competitive
classes. Getting the right classes at the right time makes a big
difference in your ability to earn a degree and continue to
receive financial aid. Visit the website of the college you wish to
attend for more information.

PART 3: RESOURCES

15

BENEFITS AND RESOURCES FOR FOSTER YOUTH AT CSU AND UC

Application Fee Waiver:Foster youth are likely to
qualify for a waiver for the $55 application fee for CSUs and $70
fee for UCs.You can submit an application fee waiver to up to
four campuses.
Campus Support Programs (CSP) for
Foster Youth: Most CSU and UC campuses have programs
specifically for foster youth that can include assistance with
admissions, financial aid, housing, advisement, counseling, tutoring,
mentoring, life skills, and employment and career planning. Visit
www.cacollegepathways.org/find-campus-support-programs.

Priority Housing: Former foster youth can receive

priority in college housing, and some students can stay on campus
year-round including holiday breaks.
Priority Registration for Foster Youth: As a
current or former foster youth in California, you receive priority
course registration at CSU and most UC campuses. This benefit
makes it much easier to enroll in competitive classes. Getting the
right classes at the right time makes a big difference in your ability
to earn a degree and continue to receive financial aid. Visit the
website of the college you wish to attend for more information.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP):

EOP is designed for students who have not been able to realize
their educational potential because of their economic or
educational backgrounds. The program provides admission and
academic assistance and, in many cases, offers financial assistance
to eligible students. EOP accepts students who do not meet
regular admission criteria, as well as those who qualify for regular
admission. Be sure to indicate on the undergraduate application for
admission if you are applying through EOP.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FOSTER YOUTH AT ALL CALIFORNIA COLLEGES

Federal and State Financial Aid Programs
such as the Federal Pell Grant and state CalGrant provide funds
that can pay for tuition costs at 4-year institutions and help pay for
living expenses. To apply for these programs, you must complete
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.
gov or the California Dream Act application for undocumented
students at www.caldreamact.org. For maximum aid, the FAFSA
must be submitted by March 2. Students who miss this deadline can
still apply, but less financial aid is likely to be available.

The California Chafee Grant Program gives

up to $5,000 to eligible former foster youth for college work
including career and technical training leading to certificates,
diplomas or degrees at California Community Colleges, CSUs,
UCs, and other accredited institutions both in and out of
California. To qualify, a student must be under age 23 and have
been in foster care at some point after the age of 16. Students
need to complete a FAFSA and a separate Chafee grant
application. Visit www.chafee.csac.ca.gov.

Visit www.ICanAffordCollege.com or talk with the

financial aid office at the college that you plan to attend
for more information about applying for financial aid.

John Burton Foundation

235 Montgomery Street, Suite 1142
San Francisco, CA 94104
cacollegepathways.org

Phone: (415) 348-0011

info@johnburtonfoundation.org