Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Diverse students representing the Headwind Scholars program at Vanguard University.

News Summary

Vanguard University has secured a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program for former foster youth. This initiative will provide financial and academic support, including tuition coverage and resources for a smooth transition into college life. The program reflects the university’s commitment to helping students overcome challenges linked to their foster care experiences and encourages academic success in a Christian environment. Mark Orphan has been designated as the program director, leveraging his experience in supporting foster youth.

Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has received a substantial grant of $900,000 from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF) to create a scholarship program specifically tailored for former foster youth. This initiative, named Headwind Scholars, aims to provide financial assistance, academic resources, and ongoing support services to eligible students.

The Headwind Scholars program is designed to empower former foster youth in their pursuit of higher education, promoting academic success within a supportive Christian college environment. The grant will not only cover tuition fees but also offer resources like mentoring and workshops to help these students transition into college life effectively. The initiative emphasizes commitment to making higher education accessible for individuals who have faced significant challenges in their early lives.

Vanguard University’s president has expressed strong optimism regarding the program’s potential to create long-term benefits for students who have experienced the foster care system. The executive director of INOBF emphasized the foundation’s dedication to supporting children who have endured abuse and neglect, aligning with their mission to foster growth and opportunity for this vulnerable demographic.

To manage the new Headwind Scholars program, Mark Orphan has been appointed as its director. A graduate of Vanguard, Orphan is also known for co-founding Finally Home, a nonprofit organization that advocates for foster youth and promotes adoption. His experience and dedication to the cause are anticipated to bring valuable insights and leadership to the scholarship initiative.

Founded in 1920, Vanguard University is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa, California. The university serves approximately 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 30 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs, catering to various fields of study.

Recently, Vanguard University has also invested in its facilities to enhance student experiences. The Freed Center for Leadership and Service, dedicated by the Freed family, cost $16 million to construct and serves as an activity hub for numerous athletic programs and the kinesiology department. The facility includes a 1,910-seat gym and enhances the university’s athletic offerings. As of 2023, Vanguard has progressed to NCAA Division II competition, attracting increased recruitment interest due to its upgraded resources and facilities.

This grant represents a significant effort to address the educational needs of former foster youth, who often encounter barriers to pursuing higher education. By creating the Headwind Scholars program, Vanguard University stands to not only support these individuals in their academic efforts but also foster a greater understanding of the unique challenges that former foster youth face in transitioning to adulthood.

In related developments, the Vanguard community continues to witness changes in leadership positions across various institutions. Jessica Artinger has been named the new director of the Orange Coast College Planetarium. Meanwhile, Jack Sun has taken on the responsibility of directing the cardiovascular surgery program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute. Robert Kolek has been appointed chief financial officer at Insight Investments LLC, where he will oversee financial planning and analysis. Additionally, doctors Asad Shah and Timothy Lee have joined MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, with Shah stepping in as the medical director of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

In philanthropic efforts, Tilly’s recently raised $130,000 at its annual charity golf tournament for Tilly’s Life Center. Furthermore, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire collected $300,000 at their It’s In The Bag Spring Fête event, highlighting the ongoing commitment within the community to support various causes.