News Summary
Vanguard University has received a substantial $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to support its Headwind Scholars program for former foster youth. The funds will enhance financial aid, resources, and mentorship for students who have experienced the foster care system. The program, directed by Mark Orphan, aims to empower these students as they transition into higher education, providing them with essential tools for success. The grant reflects the foundation’s commitment to improving the educational experience for vulnerable youth and marks a significant development in Vanguard’s mission.
Costa Mesa, California
Vanguard University has secured a significant $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOFB) to bolster its Headwind Scholars program, which is dedicated to supporting former foster youth. The funds will provide essential financial aid, academic resources, and comprehensive support services to students who have navigated the foster care system.
The Headwind Scholars program aims to empower these students as they transition into higher education, providing them with the necessary tools to thrive academically and personally. The university’s president highlighted the positive long-term effects of the funding, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and guidance for these vulnerable students.
The INOFB, which focuses on supporting children who have faced abuse and neglect, aims to enhance resources tailored specifically for foster care graduates in a Christian college environment. The foundation’s commitment reflects a deeper focus on enriching the educational experience for these youths, helping them to overcome the challenges that come with their backgrounds.
Program Leadership
The Headwind Scholars program will be directed by Mark Orphan, a Vanguard graduate who co-founded the nonprofit Finally Home, an organization devoted to advocating for foster youth and adoption. Orphan’s experience in the field adds valuable insights and a personal touch to the program, ensuring that it effectively meets the needs of its participants.
About Vanguard University
Vanguard University is a private, Christian institution that has been serving students since its founding in 1920. The university currently enrolls around 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members. Vanguard offers a wide array of academic programs, with 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs available to its students.
Recent Developments
In addition to the grant announcement, Vanguard University has officially attained full NCAA Division II membership, set to take effect in the 2025-26 academic year. This transition marks a significant change, as the university moves from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to NCAA Division II status. Vanguard achieved this milestone ahead of schedule, meeting all compliance and operational benchmarks early enough to bypass the final year of a three-year transition period.
The university’s athletic director expressed enthusiasm about this development, noting that the shift would enhance competitiveness and aid in recruiting efforts. With this upgrade, Vanguard’s athletic teams will compete in the PacWest Conference and will be eligible for NCAA Division II national championships, which marks a new era for the university’s athletics.
In summary, the collaborative efforts between Vanguard University and the In-N-Out Burger Foundation are set to provide crucial support for former foster youth through the Headwind Scholars program while marking an important advancement in the realm of collegiate athletics.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Costa Mesa University Gets $900,000 Grant from In-N-Out
- LA Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U to Help Former Foster Kids
- Broadway World: Cinderella to Open Vanguard University Theatre Department 2025-26 Season
- OC Business Journal: University Expands Sports with New $41.5M Building
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Google News: Vanguard University
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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