News Summary
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has received a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to launch the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative aims to provide financial and academic support to former foster youth, facilitating their transition to higher education. The program addresses unique challenges faced by this demographic and creates a supportive community. With leadership from a co-founder of Finally Home, the Headwind Scholars program reflects a commitment to empowering vulnerable youth through education.
Costa Mesa Receives Major Funding Boost for Former Foster Youth
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has been awarded a significant $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOFB), aimed at supporting former foster youth through the establishment of the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative will provide essential financial assistance, academic resources, and specialized support services to help students transition successfully into higher education.
The new funding initiative is seen as a valuable opportunity for former foster youth, a demographic that often confronts substantial challenges in accessing higher education. The Headwind Scholars program is designed with the understanding that many of these young people face a unique set of circumstances that require tailored support. The program will not only address educational expenses but will also focus on creating a supportive community for its participants.
Michael J. Beals, the president of Vanguard University, has expressed confidence in the program’s potential to create long-lasting positive effects on the lives of participating students. Underlying the university’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, the Headwind Scholars program reflects a broader mission to empower all students, particularly those who have experienced instability in their childhoods.
Howard Booker, the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, underscored the foundation’s dedication to supporting children who have endured abuse and neglect. This partnership with Vanguard University demonstrates a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth, with a focus on education as a critical pathway to a brighter future.
Mark Orphan, a Vanguard graduate and co-founder of the nonprofit Finally Home, which advocates for foster youth and adoption, has been appointed as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. His background in supporting this community positions him well to lead the new initiative and ensure it meets the specific needs of former foster youth.
About Vanguard University
Founded in 1920, Vanguard University is a private Christian university located in Costa Mesa. With an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students and nearly 100 full-time faculty, it offers a range of academic programs including 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs. The university emphasizes a values-based education that fosters both intellectual and spiritual growth.
The university’s athletic program is also making strides, having recently been granted full NCAA Division II membership for the 2025-26 season after previously being a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1986. The NCAA Division II teams will participate in the Pacific West Conference, which includes various sports programs, creating new competitive opportunities for student-athletes.
As the university continues to broaden its support for students, the Headwind Scholars program stands out as a crucial step towards ensuring that vulnerable populations have the resources needed to succeed in higher education.
Community Involvement and Other Initiatives
The initiative also comes at a time when the community is actively engaging in a variety of support programs and charitable events. Recently, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast launched their first college and workforce hub at Cypress College, specifically designed to assist underserved youth. Meanwhile, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles are gearing up for their annual Diaper Drive event, which has successfully collected over 16 million essential items since its inception in 2008 to aid families facing homelessness.
As Vanguard University embarks on this new journey with the Headwind Scholars program, the collaboration with the In-N-Out Burger Foundation exemplifies a meaningful investment in the future of former foster youth. This initiative is expected to not only enhance educational opportunities for these students but also to create a model for similar programs across the country.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: Vanguard University Granted NCAA Membership
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Patch: $900,000 Grant to Vanguard University
- Google Search: Vanguard University Headwind Scholars program
- OC Register: In-N-Out Donation to Vanguard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- ABC7: Vanguard University Class of 2024 Reflections
- Google News: Vanguard University Foster Youth Program
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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