Foster Youth Counseling and Resources

Please scroll down this page to find additional resources available to students who are current or former foster youth.

 

our counselors

Our counselors can assist you with

  • Choosing classes to reach your academic goal, such as earning a degree or certificate or transferring to a university
  • Creating an educational plan
  • Finding resources on campus, including tutoring or other academic assistance
  • Exploring possible careers
  • And more!

To schedule a meeting with one of our counselors, you must first apply to be admitted to NextUp or Guardian Scholars program, so you can access the scheduling form on the NextUp/Guardian Scholars Canvas site. 

apply to Guardian Scholars/NextUP

Cindy Montoya photo

Cindy Montoya
NextUp Student Success Specialist

montoyacindy@deanza.edu

Flora Payne photo

Flora Payne
Coordinator & Counselor – Guardian Scholars and NextUp

payneflora@deanza.edu
408.864.5323
Campus Center 132

Long Phan photo

Long Phan
Counselor – Guardian Scholars and NextUp

phanlong@deanza.edu
408.864.5549
Campus Center 133

Got Questions?

For questions about NextUp, Guardian Scholars or services for foster youth at De Anza, please send an email to nextupgsp@fhda.edu


Resources for Foster Youth

Struggling With Housing or Other Needs?

The nonprofit Bill Wilson Center has programs to support students who need assistance with emergency housing, employment, food or substance abuse. Representatives are available in the Outreach office – RSS 127 (down the hall from the Bookstore) – on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Here are some additional resources 

  • Basic Needs: If you're struggling to meet basic needs such as food or housing, there is help available. Visit the Basic Needs webpage to learn more.
  • Chafee Grants: This state program provides up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth, for college expenses. Learn more by visiting Chafee Grant page of the California Student Aid Commission website.
  • Financial Aid: Visit the De Anza Financial Aid website for step-by-step explanation of different types of aid and how to apply
  • Mental Health: De Anza’s Mental Health and Wellness Center is offering psychological counseling by phone or online. Visit the Mental Health and Wellness Center website to learn more. 
  • TimelyCare: Visit TimelyCare to speak online with a mental health professional anytime, 24/7.
  • Tutoring: The Student Success Center is offering peer tutoring online and in person. Visit the Student Success Center website to  learn more. 
  • More resources: Please scroll down for more resources.

Scholarships

The following scholarships are available specifically to current and former foster youth. Please make sure you read the requirements for each application to make sure you are qualified.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

More Resources Off Campus

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