NextUp

Get added support as a current or former foster youth to help you succeed in college.

This program requires an application to participate and receive benefits.

Who do we help?

  • Current or former foster youth under age 26
  • Students who can provide proof of foster care status (dependency or ward of the court letter)
  • Current or former foster youth wanting extra financial support, counseling, and support to finish college

Benefits

Real Opportunities for Foster Youth

As a NextUp student, you receive all the same benefits as EOPS plus many more. These added services are designed to help you stay enrolled, reduce barriers, and reach your academic and career goals while navigating the unique challenges of being a current or former foster youth.

Receive all these EOPS benefits

Priority registration, free textbooks and supplies, transportation assistance, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, workshops, and more!

Get financial help for essentials

NextUp provides additional grants, gift cards, and emergency housing assistance to cover costs that might otherwise get in the way of your education.

Build confidence with extra academic support

You’ll have access to dedicated academic counseling, workshops, and ongoing services that help you stay on track and succeed.

Connect with a supportive community

NextUp surrounds you with caring staff and peers who understand the foster youth journey, giving you a sense of belonging and encouragement as you work toward your goals.

How to Apply

Apply Today for NextUp Foster Youth Support

  1. 1.
    Apply to WCC

    You must be a current student and have already completed an application to Woodland Community College (on CCCApply).

  2. 2.
    Complete your NextUp Application

    NextUp staff will review your application and contact you to discuss next steps to begin services within 7-10 business days.

  3. 3.
    Apply for Financial Aid [FAFSA, CA Dream Act, and/or CHAFEE Grant]

    Be sure you applied for financial aid for the current academic year.

Locations & Hours

Woodland Campus

EOPS Office

Visit us in Building 700, Room 735
WCCEOPS@goyccd.onmicrosoft.com

Phone, Virtual, and In-Person appointments are available. Call our WCC EOPS Office for availability. Current EOPS students can also contact us by sending a message through your Canvas Inbox.

Regular Hours

Mon
–Fri
 8:00 am
–5:00 pm

Lake County Campus

LCC EOPS Office

Visit us in Building 100
Natasha Cornettncornett@yccd.edu

Phone, virtual, and in-person appointments are available. Call our LCC EOPS Office for availability. Current EOPS students can also contact us by sending a message through your Canvas Inbox.

Regular Hours

Mon
–Fri
 8:00 am
–5:00 pm

Our Staff

Woodland Campus Counselors & Staff

Featured image for Laney Mangney

Laney Mangney
, M.S.

Counselor, EOPS/CARE & NextUp
Featured image for Nelida “Neli” Gonzalez-Diaz

Nelida “Neli” Gonzalez-Diaz

Counselor, EOPS/CARE & AANHPI
Featured image for Shellbie Jensen

Shellbie Jensen

Program Specialist, EOPS/CARE & NextUp
Featured image for Alaina Trongo

Alaina Trongo

Administrative Secretary II, EOPS/CARE, NextUp & CalWORKs

Lake County Campus Counselors & Staff

Featured image for Natasha Cornett

Natasha Cornett

Program Specialist, EOPS/CARE & NextUp Lake County Campus
Featured image for Ashlee Proud-Moreno

Ashlee Proud-Moreno

Lake County Campus General Counselor, EOPS, CARE, NextUp & CalWORKs

Program Administration

Featured image for Maria Garcia-Gonzalez

Maria Garcia-Gonzalez

Director of Matriculation, EOPS/CARE, NextUp & CalWORKs
Featured image for April Heras

April Heras
, MSEd.

Assistant Director, EOPS/CARE, NextUp & CalWORKs
Featured image for Dr. Caren Fernandez

Dr. Caren Fernandez
, Ed.D.

Dean of Student Success