News Summary
Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to launch the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative aims to support former foster youth by providing financial aid, academic resources, and other essential services to enhance their educational journey. The program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by students from foster care and aims to reduce dropout rates. The grant will also assist Vanguard University in pursuing further funding to strengthen support for these vulnerable students.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has received a significant boost with a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF) aimed at establishing the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative will specifically assist former foster youth with financial aid, academic resources, and various support services, thereby facilitating their educational journey.
The Headwind Scholars program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by students who have experienced foster care, offering them tailored support to enhance their college experience and decrease dropout rates. Officials from Vanguard University have expressed optimism about the long-term impact of this grant, which will also enable the university to seek additional funding for comprehensive support efforts.
In-N-Out Burger Foundation has a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of children facing abuse and neglect, and the Headwind Scholars program aligns closely with these values. The foundation’s executive director noted that the initiative will provide crucial assistance to a vulnerable demographic.
Mark Orphan, a Vanguard graduate and pastor, has been appointed as the director of the new Headwind Scholars program. Orphan brings valuable experience to the role as he is also a co-founder of Finally Home, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the needs of foster youth and promotes adoption.
Vanguard University itself has a rich history, having been established in 1920. The private, Christian institution currently enrolls about 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 options.
In a related development, Vanguard University recently marked the dedication of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art facility spanning 61,000 square feet. This new venue will host various athletic programs while featuring a 1,910-seat gym designed for basketball and volleyball events. The facility was made possible thanks to a $10 million donation from the Freed family.
In addition to the Vanguard grant and developments, several other notable events and initiatives are occurring in the Costa Mesa area. For instance, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles are organizing their annual Diaper Drive, aiming for the ambitious goal of collecting 1 million essential items to assist families experiencing homelessness and having young children.
Moreover, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast have opened its first college and workforce hub at Cypress College, which is expected to serve over 750 students annually, providing them with essential resources for academic and career success.
In local personnel news, Jessica Artinger has been promoted to the role of director at the Orange Coast College Planetarium, drawing on her extensive experience in the space industry. Meanwhile, Jack Sun has been appointed as the new director for cardiovascular surgery at Hoag’s Heart & Vascular Institute and Robert Kolek has taken the position of chief financial officer at Insight Investments LLC. Additionally, doctors Asad Shah and Timothy Lee have joined the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute located at Saddleback Medical Center.
Community involvement continues to thrive, as evidenced by Tilly’s successful fundraising efforts during its 18th annual charity golf tournament, raising $130,000 for Tilly’s Life Center. Furthermore, Make-A-Wish OC and the Inland Empire collected $300,000 during their 10th annual Spring Fête event, showcasing the community’s commitment to supporting local initiatives.
The positive strides in educational support, community initiatives, and personnel appointments create a holistic picture of growth and development within Costa Mesa, reflecting the collaborative efforts of local organizations to uplift the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Vanguard University Graduates 514 Students in Commencement Ceremony
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
Costa Mesa Celebrates Vanguard University’s New Freed Center
Vanguard University Launches Historic Business School for Latinas
Vanguard University Celebrates Graduation of 514 Students
Vanguard University Receives $900,000 Grant for Foster Youth Program
Huntington Beach Hosts Passionate No Kings Day Rally
Vanguard University Launches Anti-Human Trafficking Program
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Reclaims Dominance in College Sports
Additional Resources
- Patch: Costa Mesa University Gets $900,000 Grant from In-N-Out
- Wikipedia: Foster Care
- OC Register: Status Update on In-N-Out Grant
- Google Search: California Education Funding
- LA Times: Vanguard Dedicates Freed Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christianity
- Broadway World: Journey to the Center of the Earth at Vanguard University
- Google News: Vanguard University
