Youth Page
Are you in middle school or high school? Be sure to save the name and contact information of your Foster Youth Services Coordinator – they are there to help you!
Foster Care Educational Rights
Interested in your educational rights? Check the California Department of Education Foster Youth Education Rights webpage.
Did you know you can get out of school to attend confidential medical appointments? It’s not ditching because it’s good for your health!
Foster Care to 21
In California, foster care benefits don’t end at 18. When you turn 18, you have new options for supportive housing, financial assistance, and more, up to the age of 21. Find out more on Know Before You Go
Graduation and Partial Credits
Find out what options you may have to graduate without taking extra classes and tests.
High School Graduation Alternatives
Use this locator to find Adult Schools near you that offer GED courses, high school diplomas, job training, U.S. citizenship courses, and more. Visit the California Department of Education Adult School Directories and Student Information
Thinking about Going to College? Start Planning for College today.
Need Money for College?
The Financial Aid Page and Financial Aid Resources have good information too.
You will also need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Need Proof You Were in Foster Care? To request a verification letter, call the California Foster Care Ombudsperson’s Office at 1-877-846-1602 or contact your county worker.
Other Scholarships Just for Foster Youth
- Chafee Grants for Foster Youth
If you are or were in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school.
Financial Aid Guide For California Foster Youth
- Foster Care to Success Sponsored Scholarships
Scholarships to help fund post-secondary education for foster youth range between $1,500 and $5,000 a year to pay for books and supplies, community college classes or university classes.
College Support Programs
NextUp
Be sure to check if your college offers the NextUp program. NextUp offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food and emergency housing.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The EOP provides assistance through mentorship, academic programs, financial assistance, counseling/advising, and other campus support services to those who are first-generation college students, and/or from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
The EOPS program encourages the enrollment, retention, and transfer of students disadvantaged by language, social, economic, and educational circumstances, and helps to facilitate the successful completion of their goals and objectives in college. EOPS offers academic and support counseling, financial aid, and other support services.
Guardian Scholar - Post Education
This program is available at most of the community colleges, state universities, and University of California campuses.
Housing Resources
Additional Housing Resources: