Vanguard University Receives $900,000 Grant for Foster Youth Scholarships

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Students at Vanguard University benefit from the new scholarship program aimed at supporting foster youth.

News Summary

Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to launch the Headwind Scholars program, aimed at supporting former foster youth. This initiative will provide essential financial aid and resources to help these individuals pursue higher education successfully. The funding is part of a broader effort to support children facing challenging circumstances, with the aim of fostering growth and success for the recipients. Other community initiatives, including local events and new store openings, highlight Costa Mesa’s commitment to supporting its residents.

Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has been awarded a substantial $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF) to launch a scholarship program aimed at supporting former foster youth. This initiative, named Headwind Scholars, is designed to provide essential financial aid, academic resources, and support services to help these young individuals succeed in their higher education pursuits.

The funding is part of a larger effort by INOBF to support children who have faced challenging circumstances, including abuse and neglect. The scholarship program is expected to have a significant long-term impact, fostering personal and academic growth for its recipients.

Michael J. Beals, the president of Vanguard University, expressed his optimism about the program’s potential to change lives and further equip former foster youth for successful futures.

In other local news, the luxury fashion brand Eres recently opened its first California boutique on May 2, located at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. This new store marks Eres’ inaugural entry into the West Coast market, where it will offer a line of high-end swimsuits, lingerie, and activewear.

Additionally, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles are organizing a Diaper Drive event on May 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The District Tustin Legacy. The initiative aims to collect essential items such as diapers, wipes, and baby food for families with young children who are facing homelessness. Local teams will be showcasing their creativity by building themed diaper structures during the event, which has previously resulted in the collection of over 16 million essential items since it began in 2008.

In the education sector, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast have launched a new college and workforce hub at Cypress College. This facility is set to benefit more than 750 students annually by providing mentorship and career resources targeted toward underserved teens and young adults.

In administrative news, Jessica Artinger has been named the director of the Orange Coast College Planetarium after serving in an interim role since the summer of 2023. Meanwhile, Jack Sun has been appointed as the new director of the cardiovascular surgery program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute. Additionally, Robert Kolek assumes the position of chief financial officer at Insight Investments LLC in Costa Mesa.

Medical advancements continue with the joining of Doctors Asad Shah and Timothy Lee at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute located at Saddleback Medical Center.

On the fundraising front, Tilly’s held its 18th annual charity golf tournament, successfully raising $130,000 for Tilly’s Life Center, an organization dedicated to helping teens develop a healthy sense of identity. In a similar vein, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire have raised $300,000 at their 10th annual “It’s In The Bag” Spring Fête event, which aims to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

In transportation updates, Costa Mesa received a $1.5 million grant to initiate an on-demand rideshare service called “Let’s Go Costa Mesa.” This service, developed in partnership with Circuit, plans to provide free rides in electric vehicles for residents in need of transportation. The program is designed to enhance mobility for seniors and improve access to local businesses. The funding for this initiative falls under California’s Clean Mobility Options program.

These developments across Costa Mesa highlight a strong community commitment to educational opportunities, health care advances, and support for vulnerable populations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.