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. This initiative aims to provide scholarships, financial aid, and support services for former foster youth, helping them navigate their academic journeys. The program is designed to empower students who have faced challenges in foster care, enabling them to pursue higher education effectively. The grant signifies a commitment to support vulnerable populations and improve educational outcomes.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has received a significant financial boost with a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF). This funding will enable the establishment of the Headwind Scholars program, which is dedicated to providing scholarships, financial aid, and a range of support services specifically for former foster youth.
Michael J. Beals, the president of Vanguard University, expressed optimism about the long-term effects this grant will have on the academic journeys of the students it will support. The program aims to create pathways to higher education for those who have experienced foster care, offering them essential resources to gain stability and success in their studies.
According to Howard Booker, the executive director of INOBF, the foundation focuses on supporting children who have faced abuse and neglect, and the new initiative aligns well with their mission. The Headwind Scholars program will empower students in a Christian college setting, helping them to thrive and overcome challenges.
Mark Orphan has been designated as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. A graduate of Vanguard, Orphan also co-founded the nonprofit organization Finally Home, which aims to assist youth transitioning out of foster care. His expertise and personal connection to the cause are expected to enhance the program’s effectiveness.
Vanguard University, founded in 1920, is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa. With an enrollment of about 2,200 students, it boasts nearly 100 full-time faculty members. The university offers a diverse selection of 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degrees, making it a comprehensive educational hub for students.
In addition to this grant, several notable events are scheduled in Costa Mesa and surrounding areas. The South Coast Plaza recently celebrated the opening of Eres’ first California boutique on May 2, marking its debut on the West Coast in the world of fashion.
Furthermore, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles will host a Diaper Drive on May 30, aiming to gather essential items for families with young children facing homelessness. This annual initiative will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The District Tustin Legacy, featuring themed diaper structures, free food, games, and educational resources for attendees. The organizers aim to collect 1 million essential items this year, building on a successful history that has seen over 16 million items collected since the program’s inception in 2008.
Meanwhile, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast have opened a new college and workforce hub at Cypress College, which is set to benefit over 750 students annually, providing them with guidance and preparation for future careers.
Professional appointments in the region include Jessica Artinger’s promotion to director of the Orange Coast College Planetarium. Having served in various roles in the space industry, Artinger is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position. Additionally, Jack Sun has been appointed as the director of the cardiovascular surgery program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, specializing in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Moreover, Robert Kolek is now the chief financial officer at Insight Investments LLC in Costa Mesa, while Doctors Asad Shah and Timothy Lee have joined the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Saddleback Medical Center, expanding the healthcare services available in the region.
Community support continues as Tilly’s raised $130,000 at its 18th annual charity golf tournament to benefit Tilly’s Life Center, promoting empowerment among teens. Additionally, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire successfully raised $300,000 during the 10th annual It’s In The Bag Spring Fête, which is dedicated to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.
This recent grant to Vanguard University represents a critical step in addressing the needs of former foster youth, while various community initiatives reflect a dedication to supporting local families and students in various capacities.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Costa Mesa University Gets $900,000 Grant
- 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: Miss Bennet – Christmas at Pemberly at Vanguard University
- OC Business Journal: University Expands Sports with New $41.5M Building
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Google Search: Vanguard University Costa Mesa
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Google News: Vanguard University
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.
