Services you can expect as a Next Up (formerly CAFYES) participant:

• Priority registration
• Non-academic counseling
• Case Management and coaching
• Student Educational Plan (S.E.P. )
• Peer advising
• Tutoring
• Small group activities and workshops
• Monthly stipend
• Childcare Assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Textbook and supply assistance
• Meal assistance
• Campus fee assistance
• Employment counseling and career guidance

The eligibility requirements for students interested in Next Up:

• A current or former  foster youth in California*
• A California resident
• Enrolled in 9 units or more for Fall and Spring (4.5 units for the Summer)
• Not older than 26 years of age

*Foster Youth dependency was established or continued by the court on or after your 16^th birthday. In order to determine this, we will need your foster youth verification letter.

Chafee Grant Program 

 What is the Chafee Grant for foster youth?

If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for a California Chafee Grant which may be used for career, technical training, or college courses. 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 $5,000.00 per school year. Funding is limited.

How do I qualify for the Chafee Grant?

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
• If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
• Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
• Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).

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. File online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. (Undocumented students may contact the Commission for further instructions.)
• California Chafee Grant Program Application. Submit a paper copy or an online application to the Commission.

For more information please visit chafee.csac.ca.gov or call the Commission at 1-888-224-7268 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

How do I keep my Chafee Grant?

You must maintain the following Satisfactory Academic Standards to maintain financial aid:

• You must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.0
• You must complete at least 67% of the units you attempt.
• You must complete your degree or certificate within the maximum timeframe standard which is 150% of the number of required units.

The following flexibilities apply to the Chafee Grant only:

• If you fail to maintain standards for two consecutive terms: you must meet with the NextUp Program Manager to develop a plan for improving academic progress in order to continue to receive Chafee funds.
• Fail to maintain standards for three consecutive terms: you must meet with the NextUp Program Manager to update your plan in order to continue to receive Chafee funds.
• Fail to maintain standards for four consecutive terms: you will lose eligibility for Chafee funds but you may appeal. See Chafee SAP Appeal Policy for more information.

If you dis-enroll for one or more terms, you will regain eligibility for the Chafee Grant upon re-enrollment.

Chafee Grant Appeals Process

You may appeal the loss of your Chafee Grant eligibility by doing one of the following:

• Achieve either a 2.0 GPA during the previous term or a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Demonstrate extenuating circumstances that prevented you from successfully completing your courses in the past but have since changed making it likely you will successfully meet satisfactory academic progress in the future.
• Provide evidence of engagement with a supportive program, either on or off-campus, that is assisting you to make continued academic progress.

Appeal Process

1. Complete the Chafee Grant Reinstatement Appeal Form available online 
2. Make an appointment with the NextUp Program Manager:

Margie Rubio
510-436-2581
mrubio@peralta.edu

NextUp Community Partners:

John Burton Advocates for Youth

We help foster youth across the state achieve their higher education goals and move on to fulfilling careers by engaging institutions to work together, sharing best practices, and advocating for policies that support foster youth in higher education. We aim to reduce homelessness among current and former foster youth in California by constantly working to improve access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing through the development of policy and technical assistance. We work through advocacy, collaboration, and training to ensure that all foster youth in care have access to the necessary physical and mental health services that are vital to their well-being and success.

Beyond Emancipation

Since our inception in 1995, we have grown from a small auxiliary of the County’s Independent Living Skills Program to an independent nonprofit organization serving nearly 1,000 youth each year.

B:E provides a range of supportive programs designed to help former foster and probation youth overcome their challenges, mitigate risks, and make healthy, successful transitions to adulthood and independent living.

Need Help Obtaining Your Award Letter?

Obtain your Dependency Verification or Ward of the Court Letter

• Former Foster Youth students, case is closed, you can obtain these documents by calling the Foster Care Ombudsman Office (for CA cases only)at (877) 846-1602.
• Current Foster Youth students, case is open, you can obtain these documents by contacting your Social Worker/Case Worker or Probation Officer.
• If your case is outside of CA or if you need support in obtaining verification documents, please contact our office at mrubio@peralta.edu