Foster Student Support Programs

Bee resilient. Bee ambitious. Become a leader

 

Welcome to Foster Support Programs at Santa Monica College!

The Santa Monica College Foster Student Support Programs provide services and support to current or former foster youth (FFY) attending Santa Monica College. The FYS Programs support the academic and personal goals of current and former foster youth by helping students to connect, achieve and increase academic awareness, as they embark on their journey within higher education.  Our focus is to equip and empower our students to not just do well academically, but also attain the necessary skills for the sustainability and personal empowerment needed, to overcome possible challenges and barriers to their success.

 

decoration

Contact Us

Visit Us: Student Services Center (SSC) 238 
Phone: 310-434-4491
Email:

decorative

Remote Hours

Monday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

decoration

In-Person Hours

Monday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

How to Apply
Resources
Meet our Team

NextUP Program

NextUp is a supplemental component of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) specifically for foster youth. The purpose of Next Up is to bolster, support and encourage the student success and well-being of current and former foster youth who are enrolled at Santa Monica College. By providing tools for success, students graduate, transfer, flourish and succeed at SMC and beyond.

Services

  • Academic, Wellness & Transfer Counseling
  • Assistance with Course Enrollment
  • Financial Aid & Chafee Assistance
  • Career and Employment Assistance
  • Student Success Workshops
  • Textbook Assistance
  • Meal Assistance
  • Transportation Assistance
  • Access to school supplies
  • Independent Living (ILP) Referrals, i.e medical and housing
  • Automatic Approval for the EOPS Program

Eligibility Requirements

A student is eligible for NextUP if they meet the following criteria:

  • Be in foster care on or after 13th birthday (FY Verification form must be submitted)
  • No older than 25 years of age upon entering SMC’s NextUp Program
  • Be enrolled in classes at SMC

Guardian Scholars Program

The Guardian Scholars Program supports the academic and personal goals of current and former foster youth attending Santa Monica College. Our goal is to support, connect and increase academic awareness and achievement as students embark on their journey within higher education.

Services

  • Academic, Career and Transfer Counseling

  • Priority Enrollment

  • Assistance with Financial Aid & CHAFEE Applications

  • Tutoring

  • Community-based referrals and resources

  • Independent Living Program (ILP) Referrals

  • Meal Assistance

  • Transportation Assistance (when back on campus)

  • Mental Health Therapy (via Telehealth)

  • Student Success Workshops

Eligibility Requirements

A student is eligible for Guardian Scholars if they meet the following criteria:

  • Be in foster care on or after 13th birthday (FY Verification form must be submitted)
  • No older than 25 years of age upon entering SMC’s NextUp Program
  • Be enrolled in classes at SMC