NextUP

NextUP is a supplemental program of EOPS that offers personalized support for current and former foster youth. At Mission College, we understand the unique challenges you face as you work toward achieving your educational goals. As a NextUP student, you'll receive additional resources beyond what EOPS and the College typically offer, ensuring that you have everything you need to succeed.

Apply with the Mission Support Form

Why Join?

Joining NextUP gives you access to a variety of essential resources and services to help you thrive during your time at Mission College. This program is specifically designed to support foster youth, helping you overcome challenges related to your education and well-being. NextUP is here to provide the guidance, resources, and encouragement you need, including:

Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling: Get personalized support to help with your academic journey and personal growth.
Priority Enrollment: Enjoy the benefit of priority enrollment each semester, allowing you to register for classes early.
Textbook Assistance: Receive book vouchers to help cover the cost of your textbooks.
Transportation and School Supplies: Get assistance with transportation and school supplies to reduce financial stress.
Emergency Housing and Food Support: Access hotel vouchers for housing, food vouchers, and assistance with food insecurity through our campus food pantry and grocery store cards.

How to Join

Check Your Eligibility: Be a current or former foster youth whose dependency or wardship was established or continued by the court on or after your 13th birthday. Be under the age of 26 at the beginning of the academic year and enrolled in at least 9 units (Exemptions can be made with the director's approval).

Apply for NextUP: Fill out the NextUP application. If you’re already an EOPS student, NextUP can be added to your services.

Meet with a Counselor: Once you’ve applied, meet with a NextUP counselor to complete your intake process and receive your benefits.

Financial Assistance for Foster Youth

The California Chafee Grant Program provides financial aid to eligible current or former foster youth. To qualify, applicants must have been in foster care between their 16th and 18th birthdays and must not have reached the age of 22 by July 1st of the award year.

The NextUp program also offers financial support to eligible students, including:

Assistance with completing the FAFSA, Chafee Grant, and scholarship applications
Direct financial grants to help cover college expenses

California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

Shower Access on Campus

Mission College students who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness are welcome to use the campus shower facilities located in the Athletics building next to the gym.

Availability: Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Shower access is limited to currently enrolled Mission College students. For more details, contact [email protected].

Contact Us

Katrina Hermoso

EOPS/CARE, CalWORKs, & NextUP Program Director

(408) 855-5226

Alejandro Zavala

Counselor

(408) 855-5240

Stephanie Rodriguez Gomez

Dreamer Liaison/Program Analyst for NextUP and Dreamers

(408) 855-5227

Visit Us

Questions? We’re here to support you!

Come visit the NextUP Office in the Student Engagement Center (SEC), Office 148.

Hours of Operation

Spring Term

Mondays to Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spring Break

The office will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, March 30, to Saturday, April 4. The office will reopen Monday, April 6.