Foster Youth Counseling and Resources
Please scroll down this page to find additional resources available to students who are current or former foster youth.
Our counselors can assist you with
- Choosing classes to reach your academic goal, such as earning a degree or certificate or transferring to a university
- Creating an educational plan
- Finding resources on campus, including tutoring or other academic assistance
- Exploring possible careers
- And more!
To schedule a meeting with one of our counselors, you must first apply to be admitted to NextUp or Guardian Scholars program, so you can access the scheduling form on the NextUp/Guardian Scholars Canvas site.
apply to Guardian Scholars/NextUP
'montoyacindy@fhda.edu','payneflora@fhda.edu','phanlong@fhda.edu'
Cindy Montoya
NextUp Student Success Specialist
Flora Payne
Coordinator & Counselor – Guardian Scholars and NextUp
payneflora@deanza.edu
408.864.5323
Campus Center 132
Long Phan
Counselor – Guardian Scholars and NextUp
phanlong@deanza.edu
408.864.5549
Campus Center 133
Got Questions?
For questions about NextUp, Guardian Scholars or services for foster youth at De Anza, please send an email to nextupgsp@fhda.edu
Resources for Foster Youth
Struggling With Housing or Other Needs?
The nonprofit Bill Wilson Center has programs to support students who need assistance with emergency housing, employment, food or substance abuse. Representatives are available in the Outreach office – RSS 127 (down the hall from the Bookstore) – on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Here are some additional resources
- Basic Needs: If you're struggling to meet basic needs such as food or housing, there is help available. Visit the Basic Needs webpage to learn more.
- Chafee Grants: This state program provides up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth, for college expenses. Learn more by visiting Chafee Grant page of the California Student Aid Commission website.
- Financial Aid: Visit the De Anza Financial Aid website for step-by-step explanation of different types of aid and how to apply
- Mental Health: De Anza’s Mental Health and Wellness Center is offering psychological counseling by phone or online. Visit the Mental Health and Wellness Center website to learn more.
- TBH: Use TBH to speak online with a mental health professional. It's free and available 24/7.
- Tutoring: The Student Success Center is offering peer tutoring online and in person. Visit the Student Success Center website to learn more.
- More resources: Please scroll down for more resources.
Scholarships
The following scholarships are available specifically to current and former foster youth. Please make sure you read the requirements for each application to make sure you are qualified.
- Family Fellowship Scholarship
- Foster Care to Success Scholarships
- Foster a Dream Dare to Dream Scholarship
- International Student Foundation Scholarship
- National Foster Parent Association Youth Scholarship
- Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship
- Pivotal YES Scholarship
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