The NextUp Program is a supplemental program housed within an existing LBCC program known as Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). NextUp is designed to support the educational goals and well-being of current and former foster youth who are younger than 26 years old at the beginning of the academic school year and whose dependency was established or continued by the court after the student’s 13th birthday. Staffed by a caring team, our program provides ‘over and above’ support services to help foster youth overcome roadblocks that may prevent them from pursuing higher education and career goals.

Visit NextUp programs provided through the state of California for more information.

Program Information

Services & Benefits  

• Academic, career, and personal counseling
• Priority Registration (allows students to register for classes earlier than others)
• Textbook and Chromebook Loan Programs
• Grants and assistance with financial aid and scholarships applications
• School supplies
• Referrals to housing, food support, transportation, mental health, job training & placement, and mentorship opportunities
• Educational and Cultural Excursions
• Monthly student gatherings, events, workshops, and university tours
• Student Lounge at PCC QQ-104 with access to laptops, charging stations, and free printing
• Mini Viking Vault – food and snack items located in our student lounge

Prospective Students: Eligibility Requirements

For current and prospective LBCC students who are interested in joining the NextUp program, read below to learn more about eligibility requirements.

• Must be eligible and meet all EOPS eligibility requirements
• In foster care on or after the student’s 13th birthday
• Under 26 years of age at the beginning of their first academic year in the program (students will not be exited out of the program after age 26)
• Enrolled in at least 0.5 units or more, with plans to work towards 9 units
• Provide a foster youth verification letter

Current Students: Compliance Requirements

Once you have applied and been accepted into the NextUp program, there are a few things students must do to remain in compliance with the program’s guidelines.

• Must be enrolled in 0.5 units or more, with plans to work towards 9 units
• Complete three EOPS contacts and one NextUp contact (4 contacts total) per semester (NextUp contacts can be a counseling appointment, workshop, or event)
• Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA per semester (not cumulative)
• Complete Learn 11 or Counseling 49 by the second term in the program

How Do I Join NextUp?

If you determined that you may be eligible for NextUp and are interested in joining the program, follow the steps below so an FYSS team member can contact you and support you with next steps.

1. Complete the FYSS Interest Form.
2. To be eligible for NextUp services, our program needs to verify your status as a current or former foster youth. You will need to provide us with your Dependency Verification or Ward of the Court Letter. You can obtain these documents by:

• Former Foster Youth Students (case is closed): Call the Foster Care Ombudsman Office - CA cases only at (877) 846-1602.
• Current Foster Youth Students (case is open): Contact your Social Worker/Case Worker or Probation Officer
• Cases Outside California: If you need support obtaining verification documents, please email our office at fosteryouth@lbcc.edu
   

LBCC Foster Youth Support Services

LBCC also offers the Guardian Scholars Program which serves all current and former foster youth who are under the age of 35 and whose dependency was established or continued at any time by the court. Visit LBCC’s Guardian Scholars Program for more information.