Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program for Foster Youth

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Vanguard University's Headwind Scholars program aims to support former foster youth in their educational pursuits.

News Summary

Vanguard University has announced the establishment of the Headwind Scholars program, funded by a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. This initiative aims to provide scholarships and essential support services to former foster youth who are pursuing higher education. With the goal of alleviating financial barriers, the program will offer tuition coverage, academic resources, and personalized assistance. This initiative is expected to have a significant positive impact on the lives of these students, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities for marginalized communities.

Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has received a significant boost for its efforts to support former foster youth through a newly awarded $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. This funding will establish the Headwind Scholars program, which aims to provide scholarships along with essential academic resources and support services to individuals who have aged out of the foster care system.

The Headwind Scholars program intends to alleviate some of the financial barriers that former foster youth face when seeking higher education. With the funding, the program will not only cover tuition costs but will also offer educational tools and personalized assistance to help its beneficiaries succeed in their academic pursuits. Michael J. Beals, president of Vanguard University, has voiced strong optimism about the long-term impact of this initiative on the lives of these students.

Howard Booker, the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, reinforced the organization’s commitment to promoting the welfare of children who have endured abuse and neglect. The grant is part of a broader effort by the foundation to invest in programs that uplift youth and promote their well-being in the community.

Mark Orphan has been appointed as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. He brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having co-founded the nonprofit organization Finally Home, which advocates on behalf of foster youth and supports efforts towards adoption. His leadership is expected to further enhance the program’s ability to serve its targeted demographic effectively.

Vanguard University, established in 1920, is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa. The university has a current enrollment of approximately 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members. It offers a broad range of educational opportunities, including 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs, aimed at fostering academic and personal growth among its students.

This initiative comes at a time when the need for supportive programs for foster youth is growing. Statistics indicate that these individuals often face significant challenges in accessing education and achieving stability after leaving the foster care system. Programs like Headwind Scholars are vital in providing not only financial support but also a nurturing environment that promotes success and resilience.

In the community surrounding Vanguard University, there are several ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting various segments of the population. For example, Eres, a luxury fashion brand, recently opened its first California boutique at South Coast Plaza, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles are set to host their annual Diaper Drive event on May 30, which will collect essential items such as diapers, wipes, and baby food for families in need.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast have launched their first college and workforce hub at Cypress College, expected to benefit over 750 students each year. Furthermore, significant leadership changes have occurred at various local organizations, with Jessica Artinger being promoted to director of the Orange Coast College Planetarium, and Jack Sun appointed as the new director of the cardiovascular surgery program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute.

In addition to these developments, Robert Kolek has taken on the role of chief financial officer at Insight Investments LLC in Costa Mesa, while doctors Asad Shah and Timothy Lee have joined the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Saddleback Medical Center. These local updates underscore an active and evolving community dedicated to addressing various needs.

Meanwhile, significant fundraising efforts have also been underway, with Tilly’s Golf Tournament raising $130,000 for Tilly’s Life Center, an organization focused on helping teens improve their self-identity and navigate life’s challenges. Another noteworthy initiative was the It’s In The Bag Spring Fête event organized by Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, which raised $300,000 to support children battling critical illnesses.

The establishment of the Headwind Scholars program at Vanguard University represents a positive step towards supporting former foster youth and enhancing their prospects for the future, reflective of the broader community efforts to address educational and familial needs.