Foster Youth & Guardian Scholars Resources
Financial aid, advocacy programs, mentorship, and support services for foster youth
Chafee Grant
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth awards up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth ($4,500 annual award amounts authorized for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years to assist more students). Funds can be used at any eligible California college, university, or vocational school. Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Current or former foster youth ward of the court (ages 16–18).
- Under 26 years old as of July 1st of the award year.
- Enrolled at least half-time in an eligible college or vocational program.
- Maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
California State Foster Youth Resource Hub
A central resource hub managed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) designed specifically to help foster youth navigate their rights, continued foster care support systems, educational pathways, and state financial aid options.
Statewide guidance for education, state rights, and transitional care resources.
FosterClub
The California Office of Foster Care Ombudsperson advocates on behalf of foster children and youth regarding care, placement, and services. Operating independently from government agencies, they investigate complaints, promote awareness of foster youth rights, and recommend systemic improvements.
Empowered to resolve complaints informally and support systemic change for foster youth.
Transitional Aged Youth (TAY)
Aspiranet’s TAY program assists young adults in building independent lives. Partnering with Ashley HomeStore, TAY provides furnished apartments alongside career readiness classes, employment assistance, resume building, and college entry preparation to increase college attainment among foster youth.
Housing assistance, life skills training, and higher education guidance.
Foster Nation
Through connection, community, and empowerment, Foster Nation supports over 300,000 youth in foster care to restore hope and break structural barriers after aging out of the system.
Building community empowerment and support structures for former foster youth.
National Network For Youth
The I Am Here: Vital Document Legal Hotline for Youth is a free, dedicated legal hotline for youth experiencing homelessness to help obtain essential identification and vital documents.
Obtaining vital documents and essential identification for foster youth.
Guardian Scholars Student Handbook
Comprehensive guide detailing available programs, campus support systems, financial resources, and community contacts specifically tailored for UC Merced Guardian Scholars and Merced County youth.
Official student handbook & regional support directory for foster youth.
