News Summary
Vanguard University 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. This funding will provide scholarships, financial aid, academic resources, and tailored support services to help these students navigate their educational journeys. With the appointment of a dedicated director and a holistic approach to mentoring and workshops, the program seeks to empower participants and address the challenges faced by former foster youth in higher education.
Costa Mesa
Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF) to launch the Headwind Scholars program, focused on supporting former foster youth. The funding will be utilized to provide essential scholarships, financial aid, academic resources, and tailored support services designed to enhance the educational journey of these students.
The president of Vanguard University expressed optimism about the program’s potential to create a long-lasting positive impact on the academic careers of its participants. This initiative is particularly critical given the challenges faced by former foster youth as they transition into higher education.
According to the executive director of INOBF, the foundation’s mission includes supporting children with backgrounds in abuse and neglect. This grant is aimed at empowering students in a Christian college environment and improving available resources for those who have aged out of the foster care system, ensuring they have the tools necessary for successful educational attainment.
Program Leadership and Implementation
Mark Orphan, a Vanguard graduate and the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Finally Home, has been appointed as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. He brings valuable experience and insight to the role and is expected to lead the program effectively in meeting the unique needs of its scholars.
About Vanguard University
Founded in 1920, Vanguard University is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa, California. The university has an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 30 undergraduate options and six graduate degrees, catering to a wide array of interests and career paths for its student body.
Importance of the Initiative
The establishment of the Headwind Scholars program signifies a growing recognition of the challenges that former foster youth face as they pursue higher education. Many of these students lack the support systems that other students may take for granted, which often leads to higher dropout rates among this demographic. By providing scholarships and additional academic resources, Vanguard University and the In-N-Out Burger Foundation aim to bridge this gap, helping these individuals succeed in their scholarly pursuits.
The funding from INOBF will not only support tuition but also offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to assist these scholars through mentoring services, tutoring, and workshops that cater specifically to the needs of former foster youth. This holistic approach is expected to foster not just academic success but personal growth and resilience among participants.
Looking Ahead
With this significant financial backing, the Headwind Scholars program is positioned to evolve into a vital resource for students who have emerged from the foster care system. The program will aim to cultivate a supportive community within the university, empowering these students to thrive academically and socially as they embark on their collegiate journeys.
As Vanguard University implements this innovative program, it also sets a precedent for other institutions in higher education to consider similar initiatives aimed at supporting foster youth, thereby enhancing equity in access to educational opportunities for all.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U
- Newport Beach Indy: Exchange Club’s Scholarship Winners
- Rafu: Yamanaka Scholarship Award Presented to Costa Mesa Students
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Jane Werner Obituary
- LA Times: Newport Mesa Graduates Feted
- Wikipedia: Education in California
- Google Search: Foster Care Education Support
- Google Scholar: Foster Care Scholarships
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Foster Care
- Google News: Foster Care Scholarships California
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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