Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) and NextUp

Building 9, Room 133
Phone: (650) 306-3300
Email: cannextup@smccd.edu
Web: canadacollege.edu/fysi

NextUp is designed to support the success of current and former foster youth enrolled at Cañada College. This program offers a comprehensive and coordinated set of services through internal and external community partnerships, aiming to identify and address barriers to academic achievement, including those related to health and well-being. Eligible participants must have been in foster care or under court wardship or after the student's 13th birthday and must enroll in NextUp by age 25. Available support services may include counseling, transportation and food assistance, and educational grants.

NextUp Eligibility:

  • Must have been in foster care or under court wardship, for at least one day, on or after the student's 13th birthday and must enroll in NextUp by age 25.
  • 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.

The Foster Youth Programs at Cañada College provide a comprehensive network of support to meet the academic, social, emotional, and financial needs of current and former foster youth pursuing higher education. Through the NextUp and FYSI Programs, we are dedicated to empowering students by fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and professional development. Our goal is to equip students with the skills and resources necessary to navigate challenges, achieve self-sufficiency, and become conscious community leaders, role models, and competent professionals in their chosen fields.

The Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) represents a statewide undertaking backed by the California Community College Chancellor's Office, aimed at establishing a robust support network catering to the academic, social, emotional, and financial requirements of college-bound students. FYSI endeavors to offer an array of services to students to enable them to achieve their academic and career objectives successfully. These services include transportation and food assistance, counseling, and educational grants, among others.

FYSI Eligibility: Must have been in foster care or a ward of the court before the age of 18 and not be eligible for NextUp.