Foster Youth Success Initiative
AFFILIATED AREAS
Financial Aid
Guardian Scholars
Welcome Current and Former Foster Youth
Citrus College proudly participates in the Foster Youth Success Initiative, providing current and former foster youth with access to vital support services and financial aid to help achieve academic goals. A wide range of campus programs are available to guide and support you on your educational journey.
If you are a current or former foster youth seeking more information about Citrus College or financial aid, please contact the financial aid office at (626) 914-8592 or complete the online financial aid request form through the financial aid Zendesk subsite.
We believe every foster youth deserves the opportunity to pursue a college education, and we are committed to ensuring you have the resources to succeed. Many students miss out on valuable support simply because they don't know where to turn. Please reach out, request information or stop by the financial aid office for personalized assistance.
Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) Background
The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) recognized the barriers foster youth face in pursuing higher education. In response, the Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) was created to highlight these challenges and expand access to postsecondary opportunities and vital support services that too often go unnoticed.
The goals of FYSI are to improve:
- access to student services and resources
- access to academic support
- retention and academic performance
- completion of units, programs and degrees
- transfer rates to four-year universities
At Citrus College, we support this initiative by building a strong network of services designed specifically for emancipated foster youth, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to succeed.
WHAT IS THE CHAFEE GRANT FOR FOSTER YOUTH?
The Chafee Grant is a federally funded program designed for undergraduate students who are current or former foster youth and may be used for career/technical training or college courses. Funding is subject to availability of Federal funds each year. To be considered for the Chafee Grant, students must complete the FAFSA and Chafee Grant application.
If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for a California Chafee Grant. You do not have to repay these funds once you have been granted. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you're in school. The grant is in addition to any other state or federal aid and you may receive as much as $5,000 per school year.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE CHAFEE GRANT?
To qualify, you must:
- be eligible, or have been eligible, for foster care between your 16th and 18th birthday.
- not have reached your 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year.
- be enrolled in an eligible vocational school or college courses at least half-time.
- be making satisfactory academic process.
The California Department of Social Services will determine your foster youth eligibility status.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR CHAFEE GRANT?
File two forms:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. (Undocumented students may contact the Commission for further instructions.)
- California Chafee Grant program application.
For more information, please visit chafee.csac.ca.gov or call the Commission at (888) 224-7268 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
STAY IN SCHOOL OR LOSE YOUR GRANT!
You must stay in school to keep your Chafee Grant! If you enroll in classes and get paid grant money based on eligibility and enrollment, be sure to let us know if you are dropping classes prior to doing so. Dropping a class can cause your status to go into repayment. If you owe grant money back to the school, all additional financial aids funds may be suspended until repayment is made.
ADHERE TO SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS STANDARDS
You must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better and the ratio of classes completed must be at least 67%. If you do not maintain these standards, your financial aid may be suspended.
If you have questions regarding your status, please contact the financial aid office at (626) 914-8592.
California Department of Public Health
California Department of Social Services
- Adult services
- CalFresh food assistance
- Cash aid
- Disaster assistance for individuals and families
- Emergency food assistance program
- Foster parents, foster youth and families
- Housing and homelessness division
- In-home support services
- Licensed care centers
California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Project
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Local Offices
-
EL MONTE DISTRICT OFFICE
3350 Aerojet Avenue
El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 569-3100
Participant Help Line (626) 569-3183 or (626) 569-3688 -
PASADENA DISTRICT OFFICE
955 N. Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 791-6333
Participant Help Line (626) 791-6730 -
POMONA DISTRICT OFFICE
2040 W. Holt Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 865-5210
Participant Help Line (909) 868-6499
PLEASE NOTE: We strongly encourage you to phone the resources below before you go to verify opening hours and confirm services offered.
HOUSING
East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless – Transitional Housing (626) 333-7204
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
Dial 211 for available shelters
- Foothill Family Shelter, 150 W. 9th Street, Upland, (909) 920-0453 - call first
Transitional housing for up to 120 days for men, women and children - Inland Valley Hope Partners, (909) 622-3806
INCOME-INCLUSIVE HOUSING
Section 8 Housing (LA County) - (800) 731-4663, (562) 347-4663
AREA FOOD BANKS
- Shepherd's Pantry
657 E. Arrow Highway, Suites I and J, Glendora
(626) 852-7630 (between Sunflower and Bonnie Cove)
Call for days and hours open. - Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Find a food pantry near you.
For more resources, or if you need further assistance, please visit our student affairs Resources for Students in Need web page.