News Summary
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to create the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative will provide crucial financial aid, academic resources, and support services for former foster youth pursuing higher education. The program aims to create a nurturing environment while addressing the specific challenges faced by these students, thereby promoting their academic and personal development within a Christian educational framework.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOFB) to develop the Headwind Scholars program aimed at supporting former foster youth. This initiative is designed to provide essential financial aid, academic resources, and various support services to help these students succeed in their higher education journey.
The Headwind Scholars program emphasizes the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment tailored specifically for alumni of the foster care system. With this funding, the program aims to partner with students and offer mentorship opportunities that will have long-term benefits for participants. This effort aligns with a broader mission to address the challenges faced by individuals who have experienced the absence of stable family environments.
The executive director of INOFB highlighted the foundation’s dedication to providing support for children who have encountered abuse and neglect. This partnership with Vanguard University represents a significant step toward empowering foster youth by ensuring they have access to the resources and assistance necessary for academic and personal development within a Christian college framework.
Mark Orphan has been appointed as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. Orphan, a Vanguard graduate, brings valuable experience to the role, having co-founded the nonprofit organization Finally Home, which focuses on aiding youth transitioning out of the foster care system. His commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by former foster youth are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Vanguard University, founded in 1920, is a private Christian university located in Costa Mesa. The institution serves around 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members. Vanguard offers a diverse array of educational opportunities, including 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs, making it a significant player in the higher education landscape.
The establishment of the Headwind Scholars program will allow Vanguard University to expand its outreach and support for a demographic that often faces unique obstacles in pursuing higher education. By addressing these challenges, the program not only aims to improve graduation rates among former foster youth but also seeks to inspire them to cultivate their potential and make positive contributions to society.
Through this initiative, Vanguard University hopes to create a nurturing and empowering atmosphere where former foster youth can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. The grant from INOFB will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision, further solidifying the university’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
This new program is part of a growing recognition of the needs of former foster youth and an acknowledgment of the support systems that can help them navigate life after care. As Vanguard University embarks on this promising initiative, it stands at the forefront of fostering resilience and academic success among students who have experienced significant life challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Costa Mesa University Gets $900,000 Grant from In-N-Out
- OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U for Former Foster Kids
- LA Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- Wikipedia: Foster Care in the United States
- Broadway World: Cinderella to Open Vanguard University Theatre Department 2025-26 Season
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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