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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.

Apply to NextUp

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

CSAC - Chafee Grant Home (ca.gov)