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

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Students at Vanguard University supporting each other in a collaborative learning environment.

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 program will provide essential financial aid, academic resources, and services to help these students thrive in higher education. The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to empowering vulnerable populations by fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has been awarded a significant $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to implement a new scholarship program aimed specifically at supporting former foster youth. This initiative, named Headwind Scholars, will provide critical financial assistance, academic resources, and various support services to help these individuals succeed in their higher education endeavors.

This generous funding from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation marks a vital step in expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable populations within the community. It will assist former foster youth, who often face numerous challenges when transitioning to college life, by offering tailored support tailored to their unique situations.

The leadership at Vanguard University welcomed the grant announcement with optimism. The university’s president commented on the anticipated positive effects of the program, expressing confidence that Headwind Scholars will create lasting changes in the lives of its participants. This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for every student, regardless of their background.

In conjunction with the grant’s announcement, the In-N-Out Burger Foundation’s executive director announced the foundation’s dedication to empowering students within a Christian college framework. This commitment aligns with Vanguard University’s mission to promote the intellectual and spiritual growth of its students.

The newly appointed director of Headwind Scholars is Mark Orphan, a Vanguard graduate and pastor who co-founded the nonprofit organization Finally Home. His background and experience are expected to enhance the program’s effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by former foster youth.

Founded in 1920, Vanguard University is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa, boasting an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students and a faculty comprised of nearly 100 full-time members. It is accredited and recognized for its commitment to providing quality education that emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual development.

Vanguard University recently achieved another milestone with the dedication of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service. This state-of-the-art facility, named after the Freed family who contributed $10 million for its construction, features a 1,910-seat gym and modern facilities for its kinesiology department. This center is indicative of the university’s ongoing investment in enhancing its infrastructure to benefit both current and future students.

The university also celebrated its 2025 commencement, during which a total of 514 students graduated. The ceremony featured a student speaker and culminated with an address from Howard Booker, who shared insights drawn from his extensive work with youth in foster care, further underlining the importance of support systems in education.

On the athletic front, Vanguard University competes at the NCAA Division II level, reflecting its commitment to providing a well-rounded collegiate experience. The ongoing development of its facilities and programs indicates a strong focus on enhancing both academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students.

With the introduction of the Headwind Scholars program, Vanguard University continues to adapt and respond to contemporary social challenges, reinforcing its dedication to the growth and success of its diverse student body.