Welcome to Foster Service Support Programs at Santa Monica College!
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Foster Services Office Holiday Closure Notice
The EOPS office will be closed for in-person services and offering remote services on Friday, December 20th through Monday, December 23, 2024. Additionally, the office will be closed for the holiday break from Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, January 1.
We will offer remote services on Thursday, January 2, and Friday, January 3. Regular in-person services will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The Santa Monica College Foster Service Support Programs provide services and support to current or former foster youth (FFY) attending Santa Monica College. The FYS Programs support the academic and personal goals of current and former foster youth by helping students to connect, achieve and increase academic awareness, as they embark on their journey within higher education. Our focus is to equip and empower our students to not just do well academically, but also attain the necessary skills for the sustainability and personal empowerment needed, to overcome possible challenges and barriers to their success.
Contact Us
Visit Us: Student Services Center (SSC) 238
Phone: 310-434-4491
Email: fosterservices@smc.edu
Remote Hours
Monday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In-Person Hours
Monday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
NextUP Program
NextUp is a supplemental component of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) specifically for foster youth. The purpose of Next Up is to bolster, support and encourage the student success and well-being of current and former foster youth who are enrolled at Santa Monica College. By providing tools for success, students graduate, transfer, flourish and succeed at SMC and beyond.
Services
- Academic, Wellness & Transfer Counseling
- Assistance with Course Enrollment
- Financial Aid & Chafee Application Assistance
- Career and Employment Assistance
- Student Success Workshops
- Textbook Assistance
- Priority Registration
- Meal Assistance
- Transportation Assistance
- Access to school supplies
- Independent Living (ILP) Referrals, i.e medical and housing
- Automatic Approval for the EOPS Program
Eligibility Requirements
A student is eligible for NextUP if they meet the following criteria:
- Be in foster care on or after 13th birthday (FY Verification form must be submitted)
- No older than 25 years of age upon entering SMC’s NextUp Program
- Be enrolled in classes at SMC
Guardian Scholars Program
The Guardian Scholars Program supports the academic and personal goals of current and former foster youth attending Santa Monica College. Our goal is to support, connect and increase academic awareness and achievement as students embark on their journey within higher education.
Services
- Academic, Wellness & Transfer Counseling
- Priority Enrollment
- Financial Aid & Chafee Application Assistance
- Tutoring
- Community-based referrals and resources
- Independent Living (ILP) Referrals, i.e medical and housing
- Meal Assistance
- Transportation Assistance
- Mental Health Therapy
- Student Success Workshops
Eligibility Requirements
A student is eligible for Guardian Scholars if they meet the following criteria:
- Be a current or former foster youth, probation youth or ward of the court.
- Must be between 18 to 24 years old to recieve all services. Student joining the program at 25 or older will recieve limited services
- Must be enrolled in 9 or more units. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.