September 16, 2025

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

News Summary

Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program, aimed at supporting former foster youth. This program will provide financial aid and tailored academic resources, helping students overcome challenges faced during their upbringing. The initiative underscores the university’s commitment to empowering vulnerable populations within a Christian education framework. Additionally, Vanguard is transitioning to NCAA Division II status, enhancing its athletic offerings and overall student experience.

Costa Mesa, CA – Vanguard University has secured a significant $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOFB), aimed at establishing a scholarship program specifically for former foster youth. The funding will be utilized to launch the Headwind Scholars program, which is designed to provide essential academic and financial support for these students.

The Headwind Scholars program will offer scholarships that encompass not only financial aid but also a range of academic resources and support services tailored to the needs of former foster youth. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to empower students within a Christian college setting.

Michael J. Beals, the president of Vanguard University, expressed optimism regarding the transformative impact this grant will have on the lives of the recipients. The goal is to enable students who have faced challenges through the foster care system to thrive in their educational pursuits. Howard Booker, executive director of INOBF, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting vulnerable children who have experienced abuse and neglect, highlighting the importance of nurturing such individuals.

Mark Orphan, a Vanguard alumnus, pastor, and co-founder of the nonprofit Finally Home—which focuses on assisting foster youth—has been appointed as the new director of the Headwind Scholars program. With his background and dedication to the cause, Orphan is well-equipped to lead this initiative.

Founded in 1920, Vanguard University is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa. Presently, it enrolls approximately 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members. The university offers a diverse array of academic programs, including 30 undergraduate offerings and six graduate degrees, emphasizing both spiritual and academic development.

In conjunction with the grant announcement, Vanguard University is also celebrating its transition to full NCAA Division II membership set for the 2025-26 season. Previously affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1986, this move marks a significant milestone in the university’s athletic history.

The university’s athletic director, Jeff Bussell, noted the excitement surrounding this transition, pointing to its alignment with the evolving landscape of small college athletics on the West Coast. Vanguard teams, including men’s soccer and women’s basketball, were already competing in NCAA Division II on a probationary basis last year but were ineligible for postseason play.

In its inaugural NCAA Division II season, Vanguard’s women’s basketball team achieved an impressive overall record of 18-8. The athletic department now boasts a variety of NCAA Division II teams, including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and women’s volleyball. Additionally, men’s volleyball and men’s and women’s wrestling compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while certain teams participate outside the NCAA framework.

The strategic investment from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation and the progression to NCAA Division II status signify Vanguard University’s dedication to enriching the educational and athletic experiences for its students. These developments promise to enhance the university’s overall community and resilience, particularly for those who have overcome difficult beginnings as former foster youth.

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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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