Foster Youth and Homeless Youth Resources

Foster Youth Eligibility for Priority Registration  You need to have been in foster care between the ages of 13-18 at least one day, up until the age of 25. For help in obtaining your ward of the court letter. Send letter to Barbara Bond, and or Liz Camboia. Chafee Grant Eligibility The California Department of Social Services will determine your foster youth eligibility status. Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18. If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18. Not have reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year. Not have participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).

Before You Start Tips

• MJC Application - Make sure that you indicate that you are a current or former foster youth to receive information and guidance on all available services (including Priority Level 1 registration).
• Complete Core Steps, required for Priority Registration.
  • Orientation, Degree Plan (Meet with a Counselor), and Math & English Placement.
• FAFSA - Make sure that you indicate your current or previous foster youth status (to skip parental information requirement), and to receive information on additional grant opportunities.
  • Question 52, on the FAFSA
  • MJC's federal school code is 001240.
  • Check your student email for important communications regarding required documents, or your award letter.
• FAFSA - Student Homelessness Questions

Help Getting Started

Visit our Getting Started at MJC homepage. Follow each section using the step by step guides, get tips, and view resources that will assist you - from applying to MJC, applying for financial aid, registering for classes, and all the way through to zero textbook course options, we are here to guide you!

 

MJC Foster Youth Contacts

• Liz Camboia - Foster Youth Liaison (Enrollment and Ongoing Support)
• Barbara Bond - Enrollment Services (Priority Level 1 Registration)
• Christina Polack - Financial Services (Chafee Grant Status & Verification)

MJC Resources

• MJC Foster Youth Presentation
• Priority Level 1 Registration
• Foster Youth Checklist & Tips
• Loss of Priority Registration Appeal Form - Check the box that says (*I belong to one or more of the following MJC Programs: Homeless/Foster Youth)

Money 

• California Chafee Grant Program
• FAFSAor Cal Dream Act Application.
  • MJC's federal school code is 001240.
  • MJC's school code for the Cal Dream application is 00124000.
• Financial Aid Guide for Foster Youth (English/Spanish)
• Questions and Answers Federal Student Aid and Homeless Youth
• MJC Scholarships
• Finding and Applying for Scholarships (FAFSA)
• WebGrants 4 Students
• CA Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Resources for Foster Youth

Health and Wellness

• CalFresh
• INCOME BENEFITS FOR TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
• MJC Health Services
• Pirate Care
• Pirates Pantry

Housing Resources 

• Click Here for MJC Housing Navigator Information - Housing assistance for students under the age of 24
  • Employment readiness
  • Education resources
  • CAL-Fresh/CAL-Works connections
  • Referral to mental health services
  • Referral to substance use treatment
  • Financial budgeting help
  • Emergency assistance (food, water, hygiene, clothing)

• Stanislaus County Housing & Homeless Access Center - Housing Assistance - Modesto, CA
  • 912 D Street Modesto
  • 209-272-8800

• 211 Stanislaus County - Connecting Stanislaus County Residents to Current Health & Human Service Information

• Homeless Shelter and Food Bank Directory

• Homeless Youth Handbook

Resources

• Senate Bill No. 958 (AMENDED MARCH 16, 2020)
• Senate Bill No. 906
• AB 12 Extended Foster Care Program and Benefits
• AB 801 Success for Homeless Youth in Higher Education Act
• Chafee Educational and Training Vouchers Program (ETV)
• California College Pathways

 Additional Resources

• California Foster Youth FAFSA Challenge
• Foster Youth Educational Planning Guide
• John Burton Advocates for Youth
• Know Before You Go (LGBTQ+ Identity And Foster Care: Know Your Rights)
• LGBTQ Foster Youth Collaborative
• McKinney-Vento Act

Additional MJC Contacts

• MJC Counseling - Counselors are able to assist you with academic, personal, crisis, and career counseling. 
• MJC Disability Services & Programs for Students (DSPS)
• MJC EOP&S/BRIDGE - Participants in the Bridge Program are former Foster Youth, former Wards of the Court, or EOP&S eligible students.
• MJC Foster & Kinship Care Education Program information

Please contact Liz Camboia for questions or issues regarding this page