News Summary
Vanguard University has secured a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to enhance educational opportunities for former foster youth through its new Headwind Scholars program. This initiative aims to provide financial aid and support to students who have faced challenges in transitioning to higher education. With Mark Orphan appointed as the program director, the university hopes to create a supportive environment for these students to achieve academic success.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has received a substantial funding boost with a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, aimed at enhancing the educational opportunities for former foster youth through its newly established Headwind Scholars program. This initiative promises to provide financial aid, academic resources, and various support services to those students who have experienced challenges finding stability in their transition to higher education.
The grant’s primary objective is to empower former foster youth, a demographic that often faces barriers in accessing college education. By integrating comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs, Vanguard University hopes to foster an environment where these students can thrive academically and personally. The university’s president highlighted the potential long-term impact of such funding, noting that it can lead to successful outcomes for graduates who may otherwise struggle to pursue their educational ambitions due to financial or social challenges.
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 background in foster youth and adoption advocacy makes him particularly suited for the role, as he understands the unique hurdles faced by former foster students. As a key figure overseeing the program, Orphan will work closely with students to ensure they receive the necessary support throughout their academic journey.
Founded in 1920, Vanguard University currently serves approximately 2,200 enrolled students with a full-time faculty of nearly 100 members. The institution offers a diverse range of educational opportunities, featuring 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs. The grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation further enhances its mission of providing quality education in a Christian college environment.
The In-N-Out Burger Foundation’s commitment to fostering youth empowerment aligns with its mission to support students in need. By partnering with educational institutions like Vanguard University, the foundation aims to create meaningful long-term changes in the lives of young people. The organization remains dedicated to developing initiatives that enable future leaders to attain their educational goals.
The establishment of the Headwind Scholars program is part of a broader trend among educational institutions and organizations working together to support vulnerable populations. Many initiatives similar to this new program can be seen across various regions, focusing on providing resources for students who might lack a family support system as they navigate college life.
Apart from the Headwind Scholars program, Vanguard University is enhancing its community ties and educational offerings. The region has seen numerous developments, such as the opening of Eres, a luxury Parisian fashion brand’s first California boutique at South Coast Plaza, and the launch of a college and workforce hub by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast at Cypress College.
Additional community-focused events are taking place in the Costa Mesa region, such as the upcoming Diaper Drive hosted by HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles, aimed at collecting supplies for families with young children who are homeless or at risk. Such initiatives underline the collaborative efforts within the community to support its most vulnerable members.
In summary, the $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to Vanguard University for the Headwind Scholars program marks a significant step toward supporting former foster youth in their pursuit of higher education and personal growth. With tailored assistance and guidance, it aims to change the trajectory of these students’ lives and encourage academic achievement while bridging the gap between challenge and success.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U
- LA Times: Annual Balboa Bay Club Scholarships
- Newport Beach Independent: Newport Mesa Grads Win Scholarships
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarships
- Rafu Shimpo: Yamanaka Scholarship Award Presentation
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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