NextUp Program

The NextUp Program, formerly known as Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support (CAFYES),  is a supplemental support service program for eligible students who are current and former foster youth.

The additional support service aims to assist, encourage, and support current/former foster youth student participants in achieving their academic, enrollment, retention, transfer, and career goals. NextUp also provides professional and personal skills workshops, book and academic supply assistance, and more.

Apply to NextUp (PDF)

Eligibility

• Be enrolled at ARC for the semester of participation with a recommended 9 units (if not currently enrolled, contact us for support on becoming enrolled)
• Reside in California (be a California resident)
• Be a current or former foster care involved student whose dependency or wardship was established or continued by the court on, or after the 13th birthday
• Be no older than 26 at the start of any academic year in which you first enroll in the program or previously certified NextUp

Things you need to apply to the NextUp Program:

• Have a Los Rios student ID#
  • New students may Apply to ARC to receive a Los Rios student ID#
• Submit verification of dependency as a foster youth. The Foster Care Ombudsman’s Office at (877) 846-1602 or Verification Request Form | FYH provides former foster youth in California with Dependency Letters (also called Verification Letters or Ward of the Court Letters).
• Meet with a counselor to create a current educational plan for at least one semester with a recommended 9 units per term
• Submit a NextUp application
• Attend a NextUp orientation and complete the NextUp contract

Program Responsibilities

• Meet with a program counselor at least 3 times per term
• Complete at least 2 professional and/or personal development workshops during each semester of participation
• Update financial aid every year to potentially qualify for financial aid and possible funds

Note: NextUp Program applications are accepted at any point during the academic year as long as applicants meet the above qualifications.

Please complete and submit the NextUp application along with a copy of your Ward of Court letter to: ARCNextUp@arc.losrios.edu and call the EOP&S/NextUp program at (916) 484-8128 to make a Counseling appointment with an EOP&S/CARE/NextUp Counselor to create an Education Plan for at least one semester or full academic year with a recommended 9 units each semester. Students may also create an education plan with an ARC general counselor by contacting the ARC Counseling Department. Inquire with your counselor about whether or not you may be eligible for a DSPS unit load reduction.

For your Counseling appointment at the EOP&S/CARE office, if possible, you may bring your completed NextUp application along with your Ward of the Court Letter to leave with the EOP&S/CARE/NextUp counselor. These materials will begin your program application file and eligibility review for the NextUp Program participation.

Services Provided

As NextUp participants, the following services will be provided:

• Access to the NextUp support staff for personal guidance towards the successful completion of goals and academic objectives
• Monthly monetary NextUp support services to assist with books and other educational supplies (monetary awards are dependent upon the student’s financial aid status and unmet need)
  • NextUp Students are also encouraged to complete a Chafee grant application for additional funding. Note: Half-time enrollment (6 units) is required for this grant.
• Assistance with out-of-pocket childcare expenses (if funding permits)
• Referrals to support groups, workshops, and other personal development events
• For any additional needed resources, please discuss the need with the NextUp service staff member or a Counselor for the possibility of assistance

Hear What Students are Saying about NextUp

Related Links

• California Foster Care Ombudsperson Verification Request Form
• California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth