START+NextUp are support programs designed to increase access, retention, and graduation rates for current or former foster youth at DVC.
START+NextUp provides a warm and welcoming environment, creates a support network, and empowers foster youth students to make progress toward self-sufficiency, professional success, and community leadership.
How Can START+NextUp Help You?
- Home base community on campus
- Wrap-around support from enrollment to graduation
- Consistent guidance from a dedicated team of staff, counselors, and peers
- Maximize financial aid eligibility (FAFSA, Chafee, grants, and scholarships)
- Access to emergency grants (based on funding)
- Priority registration - be the first to pick your classes before they fill up
- Social events, trips, and workshops that promote academic, career and personal growth
- Maximize connection to other resources based on each student's unique needs
- Recognition and celebration of educational milestones
- Leadership and networking opportunities
- Graduation regalia (cap, gown, and program stole)
- Care packages - birthdays, special events, learning themes, etc.
- Semester supply kits
- and so much more!
How to Apply for the START+NextUp Foster Youth Services Program
To apply for the START+NextUp Foster Youth Services Program, students must complete the following:
- Complete the DVC Application: CCCApply
- If you are unsure how to complete this step, contact the START+NextUp Program Coordinator for assistance
- Complete the START+NextUp Program Application
- Schedule an intake appointment with START+NextUp Program Coordinator - email START@dvc.edu or call 925-969-2217
- Provide verification that you are/were in court-ordered out-of-home care placement for at least one day
In preparation for your START intake appointment, students are recommended to gather the following documents:
- Verification of court-ordered out-of-home care placement.
- If you are having trouble obtaining this document, the START+NextUp Coordinator can assist you with this step
- Picture ID
START Counseling
On-campus and remote counseling appointments are available. Current DVC START students can fill out the online form below to request a counseling appointment with a START counselor. New or prospective students should contact us at START@dvc.edu to have a conversation with program staff before counseling can be scheduled.
START Counseling Request FormSTART Offers a Variety of Services for Incoming and Current DVC Foster Youth Students:
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- Application, orientation, assessment, educational plan
- Priority registration
- Resolution of residency issues
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- Individualized and expedited financial aid processing (FAFSA, BOG, CHAFEE, Missing Information Checklist, etc.)
- John Burton Foundation Program (book fund, while supplies last)
- Scholarship referrals and completion of letters of recommendation
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- On-campus connections - EOPS, DSS, tutoring, career and transfer services, counseling, etc.
- Off-campus referrals - housing, childcare, transportation, food banks, etc.
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- Dedicated START counselor
- Monthly social gatherings, workshops, celebrations
- On-campus employment and leadership opportunities
- Regular check-ins with START staff
Don’t let statistics about foster youth scare you out of graduating from college. Go get that education! Let everyone know who you are, and what you stand for.
Imani Gordon Animation Student and Peer Advisor for the START+NextUp Program
After getting involved in START+NextUp, I felt like I belonged at DVC. The support and encouragement have been so helpful.
Tiaira “Taye” Breaux Early Childhood Education Student