News Summary
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has secured a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to launch the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative aims to provide scholarships, academic resources, and essential support services for former foster youth. The program reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for these students, ensuring they have the support needed to achieve their educational goals in a nurturing environment. With leadership from experienced professionals in the field, Vanguard seeks to empower this vulnerable demographic in their academic and personal growth.
Costa Mesa, California – Vanguard University Awarded $900,000 Grant for Foster Youth Scholarship Program
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has received a significant boost for its commitment to supporting former foster youth with a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF). This funding will help establish the Headwind Scholars program, which is designed to provide scholarships, financial aid, academic resources, and essential support services specifically for students who have aged out of the foster care system.
The Headwind Scholars program aims to empower participants to pursue their educational goals within a supportive Christian college environment. This initiative reflects a broader mission to enhance resources available to graduates of the foster care system, ensuring they have the tools necessary to succeed academically and personally.
Vanguard University’s president, Michael J. Beals, emphasized the anticipated long-term impact the grant will have on the lives of former foster youth. In alignment with the university’s mission, the program seeks not only to provide financial assistance but also to cultivate an atmosphere where these students can thrive and feel valued.
Howard Booker, the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to supporting children who have faced abuse and neglect. The grant is part of an ongoing effort to address the challenges these vulnerable youth often encounter, particularly as they transition into adulthood.
Program Details and Leadership
The Headwind Scholars program at Vanguard University will not only offer scholarships but will also provide academic resources, mentorship, and additional support services tailored to the unique challenges faced by former foster youth. This holistic approach aims to ensure that participants have access to the necessary tools that will contribute to their success in higher education.
Mark Orphan, a Vanguard graduate and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Finally Home, has been appointed as the new director of the Headwind Scholars program. His background and experience in supporting formerly foster youth will play a crucial role in guiding participants through their educational journeys, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
About Vanguard University
Vanguard University has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1920. This private Christian institution has grown to accommodate approximately 2,200 enrolled students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members. The university offers a diverse array of educational opportunities, with 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs available to students seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills.
The establishment of the Headwind Scholars program is a testament to Vanguard University’s ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those who have overcome significant life challenges through the foster care system. As the program launches, it is expected to produce positive outcomes that resonate throughout the lives of its participants, ultimately contributing to a more equitable academic landscape.
This groundbreaking initiative positions Vanguard University as a leader in providing tailored support for former foster youth, equipping them with the resources they need to succeed in their educational pursuits and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
Vanguard University Secures $900,000 Grant for Scholars Program
Vanguard University Receives $900,000 Grant for Foster Youth Scholarships
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program for Foster Youth
Additional Resources
- Patch: Costa Mesa University Gets $900,000 Grant
- LA Times: Costa Mesa Channels $3.2M in Federal Grants
- Mass Transit: City of Costa Mesa Receives $1.5 Million Grant
- OC Register: State Grants $29M for Costa Mesa Travelodge Project
- Public CEO: Orange County Officials Celebrate $29 Million Investment
- Wikipedia: Foster Care in the United States
- Google Search: Foster Youth Scholarships
- Google Scholar: Foster Youth Education Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Foster Care
- Google News: Foster Care Scholarships
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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