As a local nonprofit organization, 211 San Diego is the region’s trusted source for information and connections to community, health, and disaster resources. Help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in more than 200 languages.
Description of Services:
As a local nonprofit organization, 211 San Diego is the region’s trusted source for information and connections to community, health, and disaster resources. Help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in more than 200 languages. We maintain a database of more than 6,000 services and resources that are updated on a real-time basis and our Community Connectors help connect San Diegans to the accurate information they need.
We believe access to health and social services provides a foundation for individuals and families to build and sustain
healthy lives, so we’re collaborating with service providers in the San Diego region to build a more efficient, equitable, and accessible system that addresses the whole health of a person through integrated, person-centered care.
We are a comprehensive, top-tier program that supports former foster youth at California State University San Marcos. Our mission is to transform the lives of foster youth through higher education — and we’re doing exactly that.
Description of Services:
We are a comprehensive, top-tier program that supports former foster youth at California State University San Marcos. Our mission is to transform the lives of foster youth through higher education — and we’re doing exactly that.
Additional Information:
Office located in Craven Hall 3400.
Boom & Bucket is offering a scholarship of $1,000 to be awarded each year to a student pursuing a heavy machinery themed program. This scholarship is available to both currently enrolled students and future students who are planning to attend a program within the next 12 months. The program can be at a college or a trade school anywhere in the United States or Canada.
Description of Services:
Boom & Bucket is offering a scholarship of $1,000 to be awarded each year to a student pursuing a heavy machinery themed program. This scholarship is available to both currently enrolled students and future students who are planning to attend a program within the next 12 months. The program can be at a college or a trade school anywhere in the United States or Canada.
To apply, students must write a 500+ word essay or record a 2-minute video explaining who you are and what makes you excited about the heavy equipment space. Please submit your application by 12:00PM central time on June 15th of each calendar year. Winners will be chosen by July 15th. The winning scholarship will be paid directly to the school as a tuition payment.
This year, JBAY is expanding the Burton Book Fund to pay expenses related to youths’ critical needs and opportunities. Welcome to the Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund!
Description of Services:
This year, JBAY is expanding the Burton Book Fund to pay expenses related to youths’ critical needs and opportunities. Welcome to the Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund!
Additional Information:
Through this event and other contributions raised, funds are allocated for foster youth enrolled in CA colleges and universities taking at least 9 units of credit.
Cal-SOAP is dedicated to providing information about postsecondary education and financial aid to elementary through high school students while raising their academic achievement levels. In particular, Cal-SOAP is committed to providing services to students from any of the following backgrounds:
Description of Services:
Cal-SOAP is dedicated to providing information about postsecondary education and financial aid to elementary through high school students while raising their academic achievement levels. In particular, Cal-SOAP is committed to providing services to students from any of the following backgrounds:
Low-income families
Families in which they would be the first to attend college
Schools with documented low eligibility or college participation rates or
Geographic areas with documented low eligibility or college participation rates
Additional Information:
Working under the direction of the California Student Aid Commission, the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) has represented the educational community throughout the state since 1978. The program is operated in partnership with the University of California system, the California State University system, local non-profit agencies and public elementary and secondary school districts. The San Diego and Imperial Counties Cal-SOAP Consortium is one of the largest of the sixteen Cal-SOAP consortia throughout the state. In recent years, the consortium has expanded to serve North San Diego County as well as the entire Imperial County area. With this expansion effort, the San Diego and Imperial Counties Consortium offers a broad range of services tailored specifically to serve both urban and rural populations in one central and two satellite locations.
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth (Chafee Grant) awards up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth. The Chafee Grant may be used at any eligible California college or university, or career or technical school. Students attending schools in other states may also qualify. A student’s receipt of a Chafee Grant award shall not exceed five years (whether or not consecutive).
Description of Services:
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth (Chafee Grant) awards up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth. The Chafee Grant may be used at any eligible California college or university, or career or technical school. Students attending schools in other states may also qualify. A student’s receipt of a Chafee Grant award shall not exceed five years (whether or not consecutive).
Students must :
Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18.
Not have reached their 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
Be enrolled in an eligible vocational school or college courses at least half-time.
For eligible California residents, the California Community Colleges Promise Grant permits enrollment fees to be waived. (Assistance for the purchase of books and supplies must be applied for separately.) Many California community colleges offer online BOG Fee Waiver applications through CCCApply.
Description of Services:
For eligible California residents, the California Community Colleges Promise Grant permits enrollment fees to be waived. (Assistance for the purchase of books and supplies must be applied for separately.) Many California community colleges offer the online application through CCCApply.
Additional Information:
When you use these financial aid online applications, the data you’ve entered in CCCApply will be transferred automatically, making your financial aid application much easier and faster.
For Detailed Information:
https://home.cccapply.org/en/money/california-college-promise-grant
CaliforniaColleges.edu is California’s official college and career planning platform. Lessons and tools help students discover goals for life after high school, make plans to achieve them, and launch their futures. It’s free for California 6th – 12th grade students, their parents, and educators.
Description of Services:
CaliforniaColleges.edu is California’s official college and career planning platform. Lessons and tools help students discover goals for life after high school, make plans to achieve them, and launch their futures. It’s free for California 6th – 12th grade students, their parents, and educators.
What kind of life do you want after high school? CaliforniaColleges.edu will help you figure it out and give you the tools to make it happen.
Discover your interests and values.
Find careers, colleges, or training to reach your goals.
Our program provides young adults 18 – 25 years old a year of paid service to the State of California. During their year of service, Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers.
Description of Services:
Our program provides young adults 18 – 25 years old a year of paid service to the State of California. During their year of service, Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers.
The California Conservation Corps offers a unique and challenging, paid experience for young adults from across the state. A year in the CCC transforms their lives through developing new job skills, expanding personal growth, and conserving California’s natural resources. Corpsmembers’ hard work and long hours on environmentally focused projects and emergency response help make California an even better place for all.
Gain the tools to advance your career and education. We support you from enrollment to graduation, to help ensure that you can achieve your goals. After completing the two-week prerequisite course: if you are offered a California Career Online High School scholarship, you will be assigned an academic coach who will provide ongoing support and help you stay on track. When you need extra academic support, a certified instructor is there for you, too.
Description of Services:
Gain the tools to advance your career and education. We support you from enrollment to graduation, to help ensure that you can achieve your goals.
After completing the two-week prerequisite course: if you are offered a California Career Online High School scholarship, you will be assigned an academic coach who will provide ongoing support and help you stay on track. When you need extra academic support, a certified instructor is there for you, too.
You earn both your high school diploma and a certificate in your chosen career path.
You create a career portfolio containing important job documents such as your resume and cover letters.
It may be possible for you to transfer credits from previously completed accredited high school courses, shortening your completion time. The average time to complete is 12 months. You will be given up to 18 months to complete the program.
Courses are taught in an online learning environment available 24/7 days.
The program is self-directed but plan to devote at least 8-10 hours each week to coursework; each credit is designed to be completed over the course of one month.
Each student is assigned an academic coach who offers ongoing support and connects you with additional instructional help when needed.
CashCourse is a free, online financial education resource designed specifically for college and university students. Created with input from real students and universities, CashCourse equips students with information that helps them make informed financial decisions, from orientation to graduation and beyond.
Description of Services:
CashCourse is a free, online financial education resource designed specifically for college and university students. Created with input from real students and universities, CashCourse equips students with information that helps them make informed financial decisions, from orientation to graduation and beyond.
CashCourse was created in 2007 by the independently funded National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), the nation’s leading 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring empowered financial decision-making for individuals and families through every stage of life. Learn more about NEFE at www.nefe.org.
CashCourse is used by more than 70,000 students in more than 900 schools—including small private colleges, large public universities, and both two-year and four-year programs—in all 50 states.
Additional Information:
CashCourse provides unbiased, ad-free financial information that is independent of commercial interests. The program takes a whole-life approach to personal finance, with resources on Financial basics like banking, budgeting, credit, debt, savings, and insurance; Funding higher education, repaying student loans, study abroad and graduate and professional degrees; Shopping, spending, housing, and transportation costs; Entering the working world, understanding benefits, negotiating a salary and career planning; Life transitions, dealing with roommates, buying a home and starting a family; and Financial crises, income gaps, scams, and emergency preparedness. CashCourse also offers a number of interactive tools for students, including Quizzes, worksheets, calculators, and a Budget Wizard; Helpful content such as articles, videos, and a dictionary of financial terms; and Information that is easy to understand and continually updated.
Chef Works of Poway, CA has granted San Diego Foster Angels $10,000 to pilot a Chef Angels culinary program for foster and at-risk youth residing in therapeutic care facilities in San Diego County. San Diego area chefs from a wide variety of backgrounds will have their turn to teach the youth some skills, classes are held every other week.
Description of Services:
Chef Works of Poway, CA has granted San Diego Foster Angels $10,000 to pilot a Chef Angels culinary program for foster and at-risk youth residing in therapeutic care facilities in San Diego County. San Diego area chefs from a wide variety of backgrounds will have their turn to teach the youth some skills, classes are held every other week. In addition, Chef Angels is trialing the program with bi-monthly classes for homeless youth of San Diego aged 12-24 years old, in collaboration with Youth Assistance Coalition of San Diego. Read all about it in the blog posts below, and follow along on our Instagram. Please contact us if you are a chef and would like to participate. Donations are welcome if you would like to fund future classes.
Once your information is submitted, you will be contacted and scheduled for an interview. After acceptance by your sponsor, you will have the opportunity to attend our CNA program at IHG. Once you obtain your CNA license, you must commit to a one-year full-time contract with your sponsor. *Two-year part-time option available for select locations. PARTICIPATION SPONSORS ARE LOCATED THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO COUNTY.
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP TUITION ASSISTANCE THROUGH IHG EDUCATION FOUNDATION!
Upto $500 TUITION ASSISTANCE toward CNA training for THOSE WHO QUALIFY.
*Please submit a letter along with your resume and 2-3 professional references.
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education.
Description of Services:
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT, the Advanced Placement Program, and BigFuture. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools.
Every year, thousands of California students receive excellent financial support from the state which allows them to pursue higher education at publicly and privately funded postsecondary institutions in the state.
Description of Services:
Every year, thousands of California students receive excellent financial support from the state which allows them to pursue higher education at publicly and privately funded postsecondary institutions in the state. Students from California can also take advantage of grants offered through foundations and schools and community organizations. In addition, businesses and organizations in a student’s local area may offer special scholarships and grant programs to local students.
Of course, California students are also qualified to receive grant and loan assistance through the federal government. The initial step in almost all grant applications is the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA can be filled out online.
Computers 2 Kids (C2K) is a leading advocate for Digital Equity by recycling and refurbishing computers and providing affordable access for the technologically underserved. Paired with training, connectivity, and support, C2K creates digital inclusion, which strengthens Health, Educational, and Economic Equity.
Description of Services:
Computers 2 Kids (C2K) is a leading advocate for Digital Equity by recycling and refurbishing computers and providing affordable access for the technologically underserved. Paired with training, connectivity, and support, C2K creates digital inclusion, which strengthens Health, Educational, and Economic Equity.Our vision is that everyone has the resources needed to access technology, the internet, and digital literacy for full participation in our society.
Studies show that even taking into account socioeconomic status, children with home computers perform at higher academic levels across the board. As our society becomes more dependent on technology, the best gift we can give our children is access to computers. The digital divide – a chasm that separates those with access to technology from those without – reduces the chance of success in life for low-income children and perpetuates poverty.
Since 1978, Cuyamaca College has provided a solid education to students, whether they’re beginning their university degree at Cuyamaca, returning to school to launch a career or to acquire new skills or enrolling in an innovative occupational program.
Description of Services:
Since 1978, Cuyamaca College has provided a solid education to students, whether they’re beginning their university degree at Cuyamaca, returning to school to launch a career or to acquire new skills or enrolling in an innovative occupational program. With its vision of “Learning for the Future,” Cuyamaca College offers a wide scope of challenging courses, from drafting technology and child development to paralegal training, from computer and information science or ornamental horticulture to automotive technology. With 81 degree programs and 66 certificates offered at Cuyamaca College, learning opportunities abound under the tutelage of highly-qualified, dynamic instructors imbued with a love of teaching.
COMPACT is a unique and innovative organization designed to create and implement high-quality programs and services for individuals to reach their fullest potential.
Description of Services:
COMPACT is a unique and innovative organization designed to create and implement high-quality programs and services for individuals to reach their fullest potential.
All of our services are grouped under a program which incorporate one of our five areas of focus: Academic Support, Health & Wellness, Leadership Development, Prevention & Intervention, and Health & Wellness. As with our most recent expansion, there are services in each program that serve youth and adults.
Visit each of our program pages for more information on the services provided in that area of focus.
Services include Academic Support, Health & Wellness, Leadership Development, Prevention & Intervention, Workforce Development, and more.
As a trusted institution for those most in need—already supporting adult literacy and workforce development—the public library is the perfect space for a high school completion program. With Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, your library can reengage adult learners and help them reach a brighter future.
Description of Services:
As a trusted institution for those most in need—already supporting adult literacy and workforce development—the public library is the perfect space for a high school completion program. With Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School,your library can reengage adult learners and help them reach a brighter future.
Program Features
21.5-credit, college-prep curriculum aligned to national standards
Intuitive, anytime, anywhere online platform
Flexible, self-paced schedule—finish in 24 months or less
Previously earned high school, or GED®, HiSET®, and TASC credits accepted
Live, unlimited student tutoring through Train The Brain
Counseling team to assist with college or career planning
ELL (English-language learner) supported
College-level ACE (American Council on Education) courses available
Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to scholarships and financial aid tools. Our goal is to help you find scholarships to make school more affordable.
Description of Services:
Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to scholarships and financial aid tools. Our goal is to help you find scholarships to make school more affordable.
The leading scholarship database, our platform is designed to simplify the scholarship search for high school and college students. No more digging to find scholarships you qualify for. Students create a profile and get personalized scholarship recommendations.
Fastweb isn’t just for scholarships. We provide students and their parents with helpful information to help them navigate the college journey– from college-bound status through college, graduate school, and career.
FC2S partners with organizations, foundations, and individuals to deliver scholarships to foster youth across the country. With this funding and our support, hundreds of young people reach their educational goals every year.
Description of Services:
FC2S partners with organizations, foundations, and individuals to deliver scholarships to foster youth across the country. With this funding and our support, hundreds of young people reach their educational goals every year.
Foster Care to Success has provided scholarships since 1991; in 2000 we restructured the program and since then have awarded over $15M to 2,000 students in all 50 states. We are proud of our graduation rate of 65%, with a persistence rate of 75% – both higher than those of the general population of college students.
Foster Love is a non-profit that makes the foster care experience better for the 430,000 children going through it.
Description of Services:
Foster Love is a non-profit that makes the foster care experience better for the 430,000 children going through it.
There are over 430,000 children in foster care and only 214,421 licensed foster parents. This means foster parents and agencies are often left with limited resources. Together We Rise began as a sports camp offering after-school enrichment to foster youth who otherwise could not afford the activity. As the charity grew, we’ve tackled larger problems including access to higher education, emergency resources, and more.
Since 2015, Foster Love has partnered with private donors, college foster care support organizations, nonprofit partners, and government agencies to deliver over $8 million dollars in academic assistance directly to college students who have experienced the foster care system.
Foster Youth Scholars (California College Pathways)
Details
Foster youth support programs go by various names including NextUp, Guardian Scholars, Renaissance Scholars, or others. These programs can include peer advisors and personal counselors and can provide academic advising, housing assistance, tutoring and more!
Description of Services:
Foster youth support programs go by various names including NextUp, Guardian Scholars, Renaissance Scholars, or others. These programs can include peer advisors and personal counselors and can provide academic advising, housing assistance, tutoring, mentoring, financial assistance, special accommodations for students with disabilities, counseling, social activities, and many other resources.
John Burton Advocates for Youth maintains a database of all campuses in California with a program specifically for foster youth.
Fostering Quality Education empowers California’s foster youth to make fully informed decisions about their college options. These resources include finding out information on your school of choice, how to use financial aid wisely, what to look for when applying and visiting colleges, and knowing your rights.
Description of Services:
Fostering Quality Education empowers California’s foster youth to make fully informed decisions about their college options. These resources include finding out information on your school of choice, how to use financial aid wisely, what to look for when applying and visiting colleges, and knowing your rights.
At Fred Finch, these values are not just what we say, but what we do. You can see it in every program. Our staff is compassionate and committed, resourceful with your donations, and innovative in our solutions. We work with young people to overcome multiple and simultaneous challenges, including homelessness, economic disadvantage, mental health, and cognitive disabilities, and histories of significant trauma and loss.
Description of Services:
At Fred Finch, these values are not just what we say, but what we do. You can see it in every program. Our staff is compassionate and committed, resourceful with your donations, and innovative in our solutions. We work with young people to overcome multiple and simultaneous challenges, including homelessness, economic disadvantage, mental health, and cognitive disabilities, and histories of significant trauma and loss.
Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, our more than 1,400 employees help make college education possible for more than 10 million students each year.
Description of Services:
Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, our more than 1,400 employees help make college education possible for more than 10 million students each year.
Federal Student Aid is responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs provide grant, work-study, and loan funds to students attending college or career school.
Many states and colleges set priority deadlines by which you must submit the FAFSA form to be considered for the aid programs they administer. There is also a federal deadline each academic year.
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program, established in 1999, is a 1.6 billion dollar initiative funded by grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Description of Services:
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program, established in 1999, is a 1.6 billion dollar initiative funded by grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The goal of the GMS program is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential by:
Reducing financial barriers for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students with high academic and leadership promise who have significant financial need.
Increasing the representation of these target groups in the disciplines of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and the sciences, where these groups are severely underrepresented.
Renewable awards for Gates Millennium Scholars maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Graduate school funding for continuing Gates Millennium Scholars in the areas of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.
Your future is our focus at Grossmont Adult Education (GAE), where you can choose from free and low-cost classes that are designed to meet your educational, career and personal goals.
Description of Services:
Your future is our focus at Grossmont Adult Education (GAE), where you can choose from free and low-cost classes that are designed to meet your educational, career and personal goals. Whether you are looking for career training, want to learn or improve your English, are ready to get fit, want to earn your high school equivalency or diploma, take parenting classes, or unleash your creativity with arts and crafts – we have a class to empower you to build your best future. GAE serves the East County community.
Grossmont Adult Education has four centers. Each center offers a variety of services and classes but has a primary focus.
El Cajon Adult Center coordinates the English as a Second Language program.
Foothills Adult Center serves as the main Adult Education office and coordinates the Academic and non-medical Career Training programs.
Health Occupations Center coordinates the medical Career Training programs.
Steele Canyon Adult Center oversees the Re-Entry Education program for local correctional facilities.
Grossmont College is “Changing Lives Through Education” and has been a vital part of the community since classes first convened in 1961. One out of every three East County adults has taken classes at Grossmont or Cuyamaca colleges.
Description of Services:
Grossmont College is “Changing Lives Through Education” and has been a vital part of the community since classes first convened in 1961. One out of every three East County adults has taken classes at Grossmont or Cuyamaca colleges.
Grossmont College serves a diverse learning community of students, primarily from suburban locations in East San Diego County, and also from city of San Diego neighborhoods, surrounding communities, as well as locations across the state, the nation and more than 50 countries throughout the world.
The larger campus in the two-college Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, Grossmont College currently serves almost 19,000 full- and part-time students per semester.
SDSU Guardian Scholars (GS) Program is a holistic support program committed to serving students who identify as current or former foster youth, wards of the court, under legal guardianship or unaccompanied homeless youth by supporting their transition to, through, and beyond SDSU.
Description of Services:
SDSU Guardian Scholars (GS) Program is a holistic support program committed to serving students who identify as current or former foster youth, wards of the court, under legal guardianship or unaccompanied homeless youth by supporting their transition to, through, and beyond SDSU.
Services and Benefits:
GS First Meet Up
GS Scholarships
GS Housing Award – On and Off-Campus Assistance
View our GS Housing Award Program for Prospective Landlords here.
Fall and Spring Care Packages
Fall and Spring Kick-Offs
GS University Seminar Class (Fall and Spring)
Monthly Meetings
Wellness Coaching
Thanksgiving and Graduation Celebration Dinners
Free Test Materials (scantrons, blue books)
Guardian Scholars Resource Area
Dress to Express: Senior Professional Attire Shopping Day
Promises2Kids’ Guardian Scholars encourages foster youth to pursue higher education through community college, trade school, or a university degree. This highly successful resource provides former foster youth with a partial financial scholarship along with mentoring support to assist them in adapting to and excelling in a higher education setting.
Description of Services:
Promises2Kids’ Guardian Scholars encourages foster youth to pursue higher education through community college, trade school, or a university degree. This highly successful resource provides former foster youth with a partial financial scholarship along with mentoring support to assist them in adapting to and excelling in a higher education setting. More than 300 youths have been provided scholarships. Over 90% of guardian scholars will be first-generation graduates.
By giving college preparatory support, academic scholarships, mentoring, and individual support, foster youth gain the necessary tools to support themselves and become self-sufficient adults. Promises2Kids has an over 80% success rate with our Guardian Scholars. They are staying in post-high school education and graduating — setting the foundation for a successful future. The collaborative partnership between Promises2Kids and the student’s educational institution helps students navigate their way through the education system and provides the encouragement, support, and direction that a parent would normally provide.
Promises2Kids Guardian Scholars provides the following support:
College preparation, SAT Courses, and unique college-level courses
while in high school as a Junior Guardian Scholar
HSF empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars and Alumni as possible.
Description of Services:
HSF empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars and Alumni as possible.
HSF strives to make college education a top priority for every family across the nation, mobilizing communities to proactively advance that goal—each individual, over a lifetime, in every way they can. HSF also seeks to give its Scholars all the tools they need to do well in their course work, graduate, enter, and excel in a profession, help lead our nation going forward, and mentor the generations to come. As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, HSF has awarded over $675 million in scholarships and provides a broad range of programs and support services for students, parents, HSF Scholars, and HSF Alumni. For more information about HSF, please visit HSF.net.
The Hope Scholars Program is a holistic student support program committed to supporting students who identify as current or former foster youth, under legal guardianship, unaccompanied homeless, or disconnected.
Description of Services:
The Hope Scholars Program is a holistic student support program committed to supporting students who identify as current or former foster youth, under legal guardianship, unaccompanied homeless, or disconnected. Our family-oriented program strives to support Hope Scholars by offering an array of services including priority registration, scholarships, year-round on-campus housing, personal and academic counseling, individual tutoring, employment opportunities, personal and professional workshops, referrals to on and off-campus resources, and much more!
As one of the nation’s largest need-based college scholarship programs, the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs specifically assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.
Description of Services:
As one of the nation’s largest need-based college scholarship programs, the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs specifically assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. While many programs are directed primarily to recognizing academic achievement or leadership potential, the Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need.
Check out all of the scholarship opportunities on our About our Scholarships page and once you have determined what program(s) you may be eligible for, go ahead and click on the apply button to start an application!
Independent Living Skills (ILS) assists current and former foster youth to develop skills and access community resources to help build self-sufficiency. Foster youth ages 16 to 18 years old who are in out-of-home placement receive services from County ILS staff. Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) youth ages 18-21 and former foster youth receive services from ILS contracted providers. ILS services are available to eligible current and former foster youth up to age 21.
Description of Services:
Independent Living Skills (ILS) assists current and former foster youth to develop skills and access community resources to help build self-sufficiency.
Foster youth ages 16 to 18 years old who are in out-of-home placement receive services from County ILS staff. Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) youth ages 18-21 and former foster youth receive services from ILS contracted providers. ILS services are available to eligible current and former foster youth up to age 21.
Through close interaction with an ILS social worker and case manager, foster youth are encouraged to develop the skills necessary to be successful in living independently. ILS-eligible youth receive support in many areas including:
· Making positive life choices
· Educational support
· Finding safe, affordable housing
· Managing and maintaining your home environment
· Applying for scholarships and obtaining financial aid
· Financial planning, budgeting, and money management
· Accessing health and community resources
· Job Readiness and seeking/maintaining employment
Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the country and has been operating for more than 50 years. The program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. Job Corps has trained and educated over two million individuals since 1964.
Description of Services:
Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the country and has been operating for more than 50 years. The program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. Job Corps has trained and educated over two million individuals since 1964.
At Job Corps, students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship, go on to higher education, or join the military.
Key Benefits:
Job Corps offers career technical skills training in 10 high-growth industry sectors:
Advanced Manufacturing
Automotive and Machine Repair
Construction
Finance and Business
Healthcare
Homeland Security
Hospitality
Information Technology
Renewable Resources and Energy
Transportation
Students can earn a high school diploma or the equivalent, and college credits. Job Corps also offers tuition-free housing, meals, basic health care, a living allowance, and career transition assistance.
John Burton Advocates for Youth improves the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices and conducting research to inform policy solutions.
Description of Services:
John Burton Advocates for Youth improves the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices and conducting research to inform policy solutions.
JBAY focuses on youth who have been in foster care or homeless, aged 13 to 26. The needs of this population are considerable. Youth enter foster care due to abuse or neglect and, sadly, their challenges are often compounded by the system itself due to placement instability, school changes, lack of access to mental health services to address trauma, and the lack of consistent, unconditional care.
Serving youth county-wide, LEAP is a secondary bridging program which provides youth with 6 – 8 weeks of academic skill remediation, work readiness and life skill development as well as college and career exploration and preparation.
Description of Services:
Serving youth county-wide, LEAP is a secondary bridging program which provides youth with 6 – 8 weeks of academic skill remediation, work readiness and life skill development as well as college and career exploration and preparation.
Following the bridging courses, youth then receive support as they transition into their first year of post-secondary training/education.
One-on-one support
Work-based learning
College/University/CTE enrollment assistance
College tours
Career exploration workshops
Employment assistance
Eligibility:
Between the ages of 16 – 25
Any of the following:
Involved in foster or juvenile justice systems, or
Experiencing homelessness, or
Residents in transitional housing units
For more information contact Christopher Zures at 619-213-2079.
Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
Description of Services:
Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
Additional Information:
Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 1 – November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.
Local San Diego Scholarships (San Diego Foundation)
Details
Several organizations in San Diego County provide scholarship opportunities for students. Click the link below for a list of scholarships offered. Contact those organizations directly for more information.
Description of Services:
Several organizations in San Diego County provide scholarship opportunities for students. Click the link below for a list of scholarships offered. Contact those organizations directly for more information.
Today, MAAC provides life-changing services to over 35,000 individuals annually throughout San Diego County. Collaboration with community partners ensures MAAC remains on the forefront of the community’s ever-changing needs, while strong relationships with funders foster strategic planning around emerging trends.
Description of Services:
Today, MAAC provides life-changing services to over 35,000 individuals annually throughout San Diego County. Collaboration with community partners ensures MAAC remains on the forefront of the community’s ever-changing needs, while strong relationships with funders foster strategic planning around emerging trends. MAAC’s Pathways of Service — Advocacy & Leadership Development, Economic Development, Education, Health & Well-being, and Housing — support our mission of maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities.
Since 1998, PFLAG San Diego County has overseen the awarding of over 175 scholarships in the amount of $370,000 to LGBTQ+ students. The portfolio of scholarship awards over-seen by the PFLAG Scholarship Committee continues to increase, including
Description of Services:
Since 1998, PFLAG San Diego County has overseen the awarding of over 175 scholarships in the amount of $370,000 to LGBTQ+ students. The portfolio of scholarship awards over-seen by the PFLAG Scholarship Committee continues to increase, including scholarships funded through former and current PFLAG members: the Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation, Raytheon, Qualcomm, and the Stephen G. Bowersox Memorial Scholarship, among others. The scholarships are awarded to LGBTQ+ high school seniors continuing on to higher education or full-time undergraduate and graduate students through a competitive application and essay process. The scholarship committee selects recipients based on their commitment to their chosen field, financial need, and academic achievement. It is worth noting that one of the earliest recipients of a PFLAG SDC scholarship was Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego, who exemplifies the public service we support. “Launching Leaders” serves as both a platform to honor our recipients and a primary fundraiser for future scholarships.
Our Mission: To create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
PFLAG San Diego County and its collaborators are pleased to offer these scholarships. Minimum scholarship amounts are $2,000, and more than one scholarship may be awarded in a given category. Applicants are encouraged to address the additional award factors considered for these named scholarships when submitting their essays.
Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego believes in developing opportunities that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next.
Description of Services:
Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego believes in developing opportunities that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our Golf & Life Skills and Academy programs our members experience unique opportunities, consistent support and character building to give them the tools for a successful future.
The mission of Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego is to challenge underserved youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life skills, and values through education and the game of golf. Our team of dedicated staff is devoted to our youth participants and work to provide meaningful experiences, lessons, and connections both on and off the course.
Founded in 1994, QuestBridge is a national nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities.
Description of Services:
Founded in 1994, QuestBridge is a national nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities. By working with these students — beginning in high school through college to their first job —QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their careers and communities.
Students who’ve experienced life in a foster home or group home often need extra support and resources to ensure they succeed in college. Here you’ll learn about the many ways your CSU campus can help you thrive from the day you start your academic career until you earn your degree.
Description of Services:
Students who’ve experienced life in a foster home or group home often need extra support and resources to ensure they succeed in college. Here you’ll learn about the many ways your CSU campus can help you thrive from the day you start your academic career until you earn your degree.
Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program – Palomar College
Details
The program encompasses two components: classes that take place at the Vista Detention Facility and an on-campus program. At the Vista Detention Facility, Palomar professors teach credit courses to currently incarcerated students.
Description of Services:
The program encompasses two components: classes that take place at the Vista Detention Facility and an on-campus program. At the Vista Detention Facility, Palomar professors teach credit courses to currently incarcerated students. On campus at Palomar College, formerly incarcerated students can join the program anytime. We also offer a summer program. Rising Scholars students can also join the Transitions Collective student group for extracurricular activities.
Rising Scholars can take advantage of many benefits including but not limited to:
Tutoring and Peer Advising
Check-ins and community support throughout the week
Guest speakers, including formerly incarcerated people who are leaders in their fields
Assistance with basic needs such as transportation, books, and other financial resources
Counseling and student support services (academic and personal counseling, printing services, career counseling, and so on)
To join or get more information about the Rising Scholars Program, contact Dr. Nora Kenney at nkenney@palomar.edu or by phone at (760) 744-1150 x 3287. If you would like to begin the process of enrolling in Palomar College as a Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program student, the process is outlined here, but Dr. Kenney can help you with this as well.
Founded in 1973, Stein Education Center is one of the first private special education school settings in San Diego for students with Autism. Today, our special education campus is State certified to provide individualized special education services to children, teens, and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities or severe emotional disorders.
Description of Services:
Founded in 1973, Stein Education Center is one of the first private special education school settings in San Diego for students with Autism. Today, our special education campus is State certified to provide individualized special education services to children, teens, and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities or severe emotional disorders.
Services include:
Methods including Applied Behavioral Analysis, positive behavior intervention
Functional academics
Social skills development
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy
Counseling
Pre-vocational and vocational training
Community integration
Multi-sensory experience
Enrichment activities, including equestrian, art, music, technology access & recreation.
San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college.
Description of Services:
San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college.
As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 100,000 students annually at its three, credit colleges, San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and seven campuses of San Diego College of Continuing Education.
Description of Services:
As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 100,000 students annually at its three, credit colleges, San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and seven campuses of San Diego College of Continuing Education.
The colleges offer associate degrees, and Continuing Education and the colleges offer career technical certificates that prepare students for transfer to universities and/or career pathways with higher paying jobs. In addition, Mesa College now offers a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management as part of California’s Baccalaureate Pilot Program.
Laws Relating to the Education of Students in Foster Care
Description of Services:
Laws Relating to the Education of Students in Foster Care: CA FosterCare EdLaw FactSheets, 2014 (PDF)
(http://www.sdcoe.net/student-services/student-support/fyhes/Documents/Foster/CAFosterCareFactSheets2014.pdf)
San Diego Foundation Common Application Scholarship
Details
In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 100 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Some scholarships can be renewed for multiple years to help offset the financial burden for a student’s entire undergraduate career.
Description of Services:
In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 100 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Some scholarships can be renewed for multiple years to help offset the financial burden for a student’s entire undergraduate career.
Scholarships are available for:
Graduating high school seniors
Current college students (undergraduate or graduate)
Adult re-entry students
Students with financial needs (including middle-income families)
Students attending four-year universities, community colleges, or career/technical schools
Since establishing our Community Scholarship Program in 1997, our generous scholarship donors have awarded nearly $40 million to more than 10,000 San Diego students who help fuel our local economy – making our program the largest private non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County.
Description of Services:
Since establishing our Community Scholarship Program in 1997, our generous scholarship donors have awarded nearly $40 million to more than 10,000 San Diego students who help fuel our local economy – making our program the largest private non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County.
The San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 100 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Some scholarships can be renewed for multiple years to help offset the financial burden for a student’s entire undergraduate career.
We equip job seekers to increase their economic mobility, help businesses grow, rebuild, and thrive equitably, and prepare children and young adults for the world of work. We believe in the power and dignity of work, fight for equity and inclusion and dedicate ourselves to building programs that meet people where they are.
Description of Services:
We equip job seekers to increase their economic mobility, help businesses grow, rebuild, and thrive equitably, and prepare children and young adults for the world of work. We believe in the power and dignity of work, fight for equity and inclusion and dedicate ourselves to building programs that meet people where they are.
Workforce development is much more than finding the next job. It is helping people connect what they know, love, and need with careers that align with each person’s unique talents. Career preparation begins in the classroom and continues throughout life. Life-long learning is essential to keep pace with an ever-changing world.
The Workforce Partnership offers services, custom programs, and targeted initiatives that are redefining what workforce development can—and must—be. Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and we are committed to making that an aspiration and reality.
At the Chadwick Center for Children & Families, we believe that every child and family has the right to be safe and supported after experiencing a scary or traumatic event in order to move towards healing.
Description of Services:
At the Chadwick Center for Children & Families, we believe that every child and family has the right to be safe and supported after experiencing a scary or traumatic event in order to move towards healing.
The Chadwick Center is an accredited children’s advocacy center (CAC). It is one of the largest hospital-based CACs and trauma treatment centers in the nation. Our CAC provides family-focused and trauma-informed services to children and adolescents who may have experienced or witnessed maltreatment, abuse or violence
The Guardian Teacher Scholarship is an opportunity to encourage and support former foster care youth to pursue careers in teaching in California. Scholarships help the UC Davis School of Education prepare qualified students to be knowledgeable, thoughtful teacher leaders of tomorrow.
Description of Services:
The Guardian Teacher Scholarship is an opportunity to encourage and support former foster care youth to pursue careers in teaching in California. Scholarships help the UC Davis School of Education prepare qualified students to be knowledgeable, thoughtful teacher leaders of tomorrow. Funds specifically support student tuition and fees associated with studying and preparing to be teachers through the School’s Teaching Credential/Master of Arts Program.
The Guardian Teacher Scholarship is a partnership of the UC Davis School of Education and the Guardian Scholars Program at UC Davis, with seed funding from the Stuart Foundation. The Guardian Scholars Program serves the needs of former foster youth by providing support and services during their undergraduate careers. Together, we are working to encourage students to continue their post-undergraduate education and pursue teaching careers.
The MANA de San Diego Scholarship Program enables exceptional Latinas to continue the journey toward success, leadership, and empowerment by providing financial assistance when enrolled in an institution of higher learning.
Description of Services:
The MANA de San Diego Scholarship Program enables exceptional Latinas to continue the journey toward success, leadership, and empowerment by providing financial assistance when enrolled in an institution of higher learning.
Annually, MANA awards $30,000 to $40,000 in financial support to a wide range of worthy students. From community college students on the road to a Bachelor’s Degree to doctoral candidates on the verge of a Ph.D. MANA has awarded $596,500 in scholarships to date.
MANA Scholarship recipients are selected based on a number of academic and non-academic factors. These factors include leadership, community engagement, educational and professional goals, financial need, and special circumstances. Scholarships are awarded and recipients and their families are celebrated at an annual Scholarship Reception.
The SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program
Details
We have some exciting news! To support students earlier in their educational journey, we’re thrilled to announce that students starting college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in the 2025-2026 academic year (not including dual-enrollment courses) can apply for our scholarship starting now through June 1st, 2024.
Description of Services:
The 2024 Application Is Now Open!
We have some exciting news! To support students earlier in their educational journey, we’re thrilled to announce that students starting college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in the 2025-2026 academic year (not including dual-enrollment courses) can apply for our scholarship starting now through June 1st, 2024. This applies to high school juniors or high school seniors planning to take a gap year.
Students beginning college in 2024 would have applied for our program in 2023 and are not eligible for the current application cycle.
Eligibility:
You are currently residing in the United States. Note: undocumented applicants are eligible.
You were born on or after June 1, 2004
You will be starting college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in the 2025-2026 academic year (not including dual-enrollment courses). This applies to high school juniors or high school seniors planning to take a gap year.
You experienced homelessness in the last six years
UNCF has helped more than 500,000 students earn their college degrees since its founding. UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members.
Description of Services:
UNCF has helped more than 500,000 students earn their college degrees since its founding.
UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. Each year, we award more than $100 million in scholarships to students attending more than 1,100 schools across the country, including our prestigious network of 37 HBCUs.
In today’s world, with so many changes taking place in the economy and new technology being introduced continuously, it’s hard to keep up with the job industry. In fact, there are new opportunities becoming available all the time, and some of the jobs that were scarce in the past, are now in high demand.
Description of Services:
In today’s world, with so many changes taking place in the economy and new technology being introduced continuously, it’s hard to keep up with the job industry. In fact, there are new opportunities becoming available all the time, and some of the jobs that were scarce in the past, are now in high demand. Moreover, in order to get a decent-paying job today, you’ll almost certainly need a college degree. It’s not like it was years ago when you can land a job managing a store with a high school diploma. Now, there is too much involved with running a business or fulfilling job duties in other occupations, to rely on basic skills and knowledge. You will need to spend a significant amount of time learning your craft in order to succeed and going to college to earn an online degree is the best way to do that.
Vista Adult School has provided leading educational services in Vista, CA since 1977. We are committed to providing an exemplary education designed to engage, inspire and empower all students to achieve their goals.
Description of Services:
Vista Adult School has provided leading educational services in Vista, CA since 1977. We are committed to providing an exemplary education designed to engage, inspire and empower all students to achieve their goals.
Vista Adult School’s WASC accredited programs include Career Technical Education, Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education and English as a Second Language. In addition we offer Community Education courses. All teachers are certified in their teaching area by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing. We proudly serve approximately 3,000 adults each year. We offer convenient schedules to fit the needs and lifestyles of adult learners, and we welcome students 18 years of age and older from throughout Southern California.
Youth Assistance Coalition is here to positively impact the lives of youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness through empowerment, mentorship, and community collaboration in order to provide transformative opportunities.
Description of Services:
Youth Assistance Coalition is here to positively impact the lives of youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness through empowerment, mentorship, and community collaboration in order to provide transformative opportunities.
These are the services that we currently provide or work in conjunction with our partners to provide:
