NextUp Program

NextUp 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.

New for Fall 2025

NextUp eligible participants are no longer automatically EOP&S/CARE participants. NextUp applicants interested in EOP&S and/or CARE can review the EOP&S/CARE Eligibility page and work with the NextUp Specialist to discuss qualifications for all programs.

Eligibility

Eligible participants must meet the following requirements:

• Reside in California (be a California resident)
• Be a current/former foster youth (verified through Ward of Court letter)
• Submit a NextUp application
• Submit verification of dependency as a foster youth
• Attend a NextUp orientation and complete the NextUp Contract
• Meet with a program counselor at least three times per term
• Complete professional and/or personal development workshops during each semester of participation

Things you need to apply to the NextUp Program:

• Have a Los Rios student ID#
  • New students may Apply to ARCto receive a Los Rios student ID#
• Show verification of being in the foster care system on or after your 13th birthday through a Ward of Court Letter
  • Letters may be requested from your social worker or through Verification Request Form | FYH
• Applicants must be under 26 years old at the start of the semester of participation
• Applicants must be enrolled at ARC for the semester of participation with a recommended 9 units of enrollment
• Meet with a counselor to create a current educational plan for at least one semester with at least 9 units per term

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/CARE 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 at least 9 units each semester. Students may also create an education plan with an ARC general counselor by contacting the ARC Counseling Department.

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.

Hear What Students are Saying about NextUp

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