About Next Up

The NextUp program creates opportunities in higher education for current or former foster youth.

Program Overview:

• Provides individual support and hands-on guidance from application to degree completion
• Provides academic, personal, and career counseling
• Assistance with completion of the financial aid application, scholarships, and Chafee Grant, if eligible
• Priority registration
• Career exploration, transfer planning, and completion of student educational plan (SEP)
• Exclusive workshops
• Services may include (contingent upon funding):
  • Unmet need grants
  • Free textbooks
  • Free school supplies
  • Gas cards
  • Meal grant/card

Eligibility Criteria:

• Were in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13th birthday.
• Are enrolled in or planning to enroll in at least nine units or agree to an education plan with the future goal of enrolling in nine units.
• Are no older than 26 years of age at the commencement of any academic year in which the student first enrolls in the program; students enrolled in the program prior to turning 26 are allowed to continue participating in the program beyond the age of 26.
• Enroll in the NextUp program prior to age 26, disenroll, and subsequently return after turning 26 may be readmitted to the same or another NextUp program.