August 19, 2025

Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program

News Summary

Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program aimed at supporting former foster youth. This initiative will provide financial assistance and academic resources to help these students pursue higher education successfully. The program is set to empower a vulnerable demographic facing challenges in education. Michael J. Beals, the university president, emphasized the importance of support systems for these individuals, while the In-N-Out Foundation expressed its commitment to transforming lives through education.

Costa Mesa

Vanguard University has received a significant boost in funding with a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF) aimed at establishing a new scholarship program specifically for former foster youth. The program, named Headwind Scholars, is designed to provide financial support, academic resources, and essential services to eligible students, ensuring they have a productive path to higher education.

The Headwind Scholars program will focus on empowering former foster youth, a demographic often facing significant challenges in accessing education. With the new funding, Vanguard University aims to alleviate some of the financial and academic obstacles these students encounter. By delivering targeted support, the university hopes to create opportunities for these students to succeed academically and in their future careers.

Michael J. Beals, President of Vanguard University, expressed optimism regarding the long-term impact of the Headwind Scholars initiative on students’ educational journeys. He highlighted the importance of providing robust support systems for this vulnerable population.

Howard Booker, Executive Director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, reiterated the organization’s commitment to aiding children who have faced abuse and neglect. The foundation believes that by investing in education for former foster youth, they can help transform their lives.

To oversee the Headwind Scholars program, Mark Orphan has been appointed as the director. Orphan brings valuable experience to the role as a Vanguard graduate, pastor, and co-founder of the non-profit organization Finally Home, which supports youth transitioning out of foster care.

Background on Vanguard University

Founded in 1920, Vanguard University is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa. The university has an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 faculty members. Vanguard offers a variety of educational programs, including 30 undergraduate and 6 graduate options, catering to a diverse student body.

This grant marks a pivotal moment in Vanguard’s ongoing mission to enhance support systems for underserved populations. The establishment of Headwind Scholars aligns with wider efforts to address educational inequalities faced by former foster youth—a group that often has limited access to resources necessary for successful college enrollment and completion.

Broader Community Engagement

The funding announcement for the Headwind Scholars program comes amid various community initiatives aimed at supporting diverse groups in the Costa Mesa area. For example, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles plan to host an annual Diaper Drive on May 30 to collect essential items for families facing homelessness. Additionally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast recently opened a college and workforce hub at Cypress College, providing resources for more than 750 underserved students each year.

In corporate and non-profit sectors, community leadership continues to evolve. Jessica Artinger has been appointed as the new director of the Orange Coast College Planetarium, leveraging her expertise in astrophysics. Meanwhile, Jack Sun has taken on the role of director of the cardiovascular surgery program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, continuing advancements in healthcare services.

Vanguard University is also evolving in its athletic domain. The school’s athletic program has been granted full NCAA Division II membership, effective for the 2025-26 season, concluding a three-year transition period. This transition opens the door for Vanguard teams to compete in national championships and join the PacWest Conference. Previously, Vanguard teams played a Division II schedule while on probation, indicating a promising future for student-athletes.

The establishment of the Headwind Scholars program exemplifies Vanguard University’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes education, inclusivity, and community engagement.

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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.

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