News Summary
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has received a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program, aimed at supporting former foster youth in higher education. This initiative will provide financial aid, academic resources, and essential support services to empower these students as they transition to college life. University President Michael J. Beals noted the potential long-term impact on the lives of these students, while the program director, Mark Orphan, brings valuable experience in addressing the needs of this vulnerable population.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has received a significant boost in funding, being awarded a grant of $900,000 from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. This funding is designated for the creation of a new scholarship initiative called Headwind Scholars, specifically aimed at assisting former foster youth in their pursuit of higher education.
The Headwind Scholars program will provide essential financial aid, academic resources, and support services to eligible students who have experienced life in foster care. The initiative is designed to enhance educational opportunities for this vulnerable population, helping them to overcome the challenges they often face in transitioning to college life and achieving academic success. With this program, Vanguard University aims to create an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of these students.
Vanguard University President Michael J. Beals emphasized the importance of this grant, expressing confidence in its potential long-term impact on the lives of students. The university believes that with the right support, former foster youth can be empowered to succeed in their educational endeavors, leading to improved outcomes and a brighter future.
Howard Booker, the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, underscored the organization’s commitment to aiding children who have experienced abuse and neglect. According to Booker, this scholarship will not only provide financial assistance but also create a faith-based environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Mark Orphan, a Vanguard graduate and co-founder of the nonprofit Finally Home, has been appointed as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. His experience and understanding of the challenges faced by former foster youth will be instrumental in guiding the program’s development and success.
Vanguard University, founded in 1920, is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa. The university caters to around 2,200 students and boasts a faculty of nearly 100 full-time members. Vanguard offers a range of academic programs, including 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs, aimed at fostering a robust educational experience in a Christian context.
This recent initiative at Vanguard aligns with other community projects aimed at supporting underserved populations. For instance, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast have launched their first college and workforce hub at Cypress College to assist teens and young adults, while HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles are set to host their annual Diaper Drive on May 30 to aid homeless families with infants and toddlers.
In recent developments, other key personnel changes have also taken place within the community. Jessica Artinger has been promoted to director of the Orange Coast College Planetarium, and Jack Sun has been appointed director of the cardiovascular surgery program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute. Additionally, Robert Kolek now serves as chief financial officer at Insight Investments LLC. These personnel changes reflect ongoing growth and investment in local expertise.
Moreover, a recent charity golf tournament hosted by Tilly’s raised $130,000 to benefit Tilly’s Life Center, which focuses on empowering teens. Similarly, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire raised $300,000 during their 10th annual Spring Fête, which highlights community engagement and fundraising efforts to support children with serious illnesses.
Vanguard University is also making strides with the recent dedication of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a new facility for athletics and kinesiology funded by a $10 million gift from the Freed family. This facility aims to enhance student and athletic experiences on campus, fitting seamlessly into the university’s transition to NCAA Division II competition in 2023.
As Vanguard University takes definitive steps to support former foster youth through the Headwind Scholars program, the institution continues to embody its mission of academic excellence and community service, setting a precedent for other organizations to follow.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Costa Mesa University Gets $900,000 Grant from In-N-Out
- Google Search: Vanguard University Headwind Scholars
- OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U
- Wikipedia: Foster Care in the United States
- LA Times: Vanguard Dedicates Freed Center for Leadership and Service
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- ABC7: Vanguard University Class of 2024 Reflection
- Google News: Vanguard University Scholarship Initiative
