
The NextUp Program, formerly known as Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support (CAFYES), is a support service program for eligible students who are current and/or former foster youth.
Folsom Lake College’s NextUp provides coordinated support and services to eligible extended care and former foster youth students to achieve academic success and self-sufficiency.
Eligibility
- Be enrolled at FLC in at least 1 course (if not currently enrolled, contact us for support on becoming enrolled).
- Be enrolled in at least 9 units (for the semester of participation) or have an education plan with the intent to enroll in 9 units in subsequent semesters.
- 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 were previously certified NextUp.
- Financial Aid file at FLC.
How to Apply
- Have a Los Rios student ID number
- New students may apply to FLC to receive a Los Rios student ID.
- Students returning to FLC must re-apply to FLC before applying to NextUp. Click “Returning Student” on FLC’s main application page.
- Submit verification of dependency as a foster youth to PerezA3@flc.losrios.edu. 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).
- Attach a copy of your Ward of Court letter.
- Create a Comprehensive Education Plan with a recommended 9 units each semester. Call the NextUp program at (916) 608-6560 to make a counseling appointment with a NextUp Counselor or contact the FLC Counseling Department to create a Comprehensive Education Plan. Inquire with your counselor about whether or not you may be eligible for additional supports and/or services.
- Submit a NextUp application
- Attend a NextUp orientation and complete the NextUp Agreement
- Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a FAFSA or CADAA with FLC as the designated home college and complete a CCPG Fee Waiver.
Program Responsibilities
- Meet with a program counselor/staff member each month of the semester to receive support.
- Update financial aid every year to potentially qualify for financial aid and possible funds.
Note: NextUp Program applications are accepted throughout the academic year as long as applicants meet the above qualifications.
Services Provided
- Access to the NextUp support staff for personal guidance toward successful completion of goals and academic objectives.
- Beginning of Semester (BOS) Book Grant.*
- Parking Pass for enrolled semester.
- Monthly NextUp support* services to assist with other educational supplies.
- Referrals to support groups, workshops, and other personal development events.
*based on number of units enrolled.
NextUp students are also encouraged to complete a Chafee grant application for additional funding. For any additional needed resources, please discuss the need with a NextUp staff member or counselor for the possibility of assistance.
Contact
PerezA3@flc.losrios.edu
(916) 608-6560
Hours
In-Person
Monday through Thursday:
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Remote
Friday:
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Location
Main Folsom campus
Aspen Hall, FL1-108
Helpful Links
California Foster Care Ombudsperson Verification Request Form
Verification Request Form | FYH
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth