Foster Youth Independence Program
Location & Contact:
Office Hours:
Bldg. 1000 Rm .1006 (Beneath the Library)
Mon-Thurs: 9 am – 2 pm
831) 479-6115
fosteryouthindependence@gmail.com
What is FYI?
The Cabrillo College Foster Youth Independence
Program (FYI) provides academic support services for
current and former foster youth and is here to assist
you in navigating the community college system
successfully.
The program’s services are designed to increase foster
youth student success rates of earning certificates and
associate degrees and transfer to four-year colleges
and universities.
How do I become an FYI Student?
Becoming an FYI Student is easy! All you need to do is:
1. Fill out and turn in a FYI application
2. Turn in a document providing proof that you in
the foster care system (document can be a hard
copy, emailed, or faxed, but it must be signed by
an official.)
3. Be enrolled in 6 or more units at Cabrillo
After joining, each semester you will need to:
1. Check in to update your contact information and
provide a schedule of your classes.
2. Turn in a mid-semester progress report
a. Have your instructors fill out this report so
we can make sure you stay on track in your
classes.
b. Please be sure to get this in on time, late
turn-ins are not accepted, no exceptions.
3. Meet with our Academic Counselor at least once
per semester.
4. Attend at least 2 FYI workshops (to qualify for
scholarships)
5. Lastly, be sure to check your email, we frequently
send out opportunities and reminders
Benefits of being an FYI Student
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FYI’s semester progress scholarships
Bus Pass & Food Card Programs
Academic & Career Counseling
Burton Book Award
Study / Hang-out Lounge with free Snacks & Coffee
Referrals to on campus tutoring & support services
Assistance and referrals to outside resources, such as:
 Independent Living Program (ILP)
 A Home Within
 CASA
 THP (Transitional Housing Program)
 Santa Cruz Human resources
The FYI Office
As an FYI Student, the FYI Office is a place where you
can come study or just hang out before or between your
classes. Some of the resources available to you in the
office are:
o Computers
o Free copying/printing
o A lounge / study space
o Snacks in case you get hungry during the
school day
o Weekly Financial Aid, Academic and Career
Counseling
The office is also a safe space for you to come for
any reason at all. Anything you say to us is confidential
and does not ever leave the office. That being said, the
Foster Youth Independence Program and Cabrillo
College is strictly a sober environment. Please do not
come on campus, to the office or any FYI events under
the influence of any substances and/or bring any
substances of any kind to the office or events.
Spring 2016
Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9 – 2pm
Workshops
Check List
FYI will be offering workshops throughout the
semester. Not only will these be posted in the
FYI office, but on our website!
Turned in Mid-Semester Report
Going to FYI Workshops are required to
receive scholarships, food cards, and bus
passes.
To visit our website, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/fyiworkshops
Due before March 24th
Completed 16-17 FASFA
Priority Deadline is March 2nd
Visited Academic Counselor
Attended first Workshop
Or scan:
Attended second Workshop
Important Dates
Financial Aid Advisor
Semester Begins – January 25th
Last day to drop with Refund – February 6th
16-17 FASFA Priority Deadline – March 2nd
Mid-Semester Report due before March 24th
Spring Break – March 28th – April 2nd
Last day to drop with a W – April 23rd
Finals – May 16th – 21st
Services in FYI Office
Alternating on Wednesdays & Thursdays
from 1-2pm starting February 2nd
Academic Counselor
Thursdays from 12-1pm
Student Employment
Tuesdays from 1-2pm &
Wednesdays 11:30 to 12:30
P.E.E.R.S.
Wednesdays from 1-2pm
Have a Question?
Email: fosteryouthindependence@gmail.com ● Phone: (831) 477-6463
Programs
Scholarships
As an FYI student, you can receive several FYI-specific scholarships throughout the semester.
You can also count your academic counseling appointment and FYI workshops towards our other
programs.
Start of Semester Grant ($100)
Requirements:
1. Enrolled in 6 or more units
2. Check in to the FYI Office to
make sure your contact
information us up to date.
3. Provide a schedule of your
classes.
Mid-Semester Grant ($150)
End of Semester Grant *
Requirements:
1. Turn in Mid-Semester Progress
Report before deadline.
o Note: Grades will not
have an impact on award.
Requirements:
1. Achieve at least a 2.0 semester GPA
& complete 6 units
2. Turned in Mid-Semester Progress
Report before deadline.
3. Met with FYI Academic Counselor
at least once per semester.
4. Attended 2 FYI Workshops
2.
Attend 1 FYI Workshop before
mid-semester deadline
*Note: Amount will be based on semester G.P.A.
(ranging from $100 to $400)
Food Card
You can receive a $50 food card if you complete the following requirements:
1. Meet with our FYI Academic Counselor
2. Attend 2 FYI Workshops
3. Email with workshops attended to fosteryouthindpendence@gmail.com
4. You will be contacted when to pick up your card.
Note: You can count your academic counseling appointment and FYI workshops for our other programs
Bus Pass
If you would like to receive a monthly bus pass, you will need to: be enrolled in 6 or more units, pick up a
Bus Pass form in the FYI office and complete one of the following activities each month in order to
receive a pass for that month.
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Attend a FYI workshop
Meet with FYI Academic Counselor
Meet with Student Employment Coordinator
Note: You can count your academic counseling appointment and FYI workshops for our other programs
FYI Club
You are encouraged to join the new FYI club. Beyond the opportunity for networking with your peers,
the club will be hosting events and provide opportunities for gaining valuable leadership skills.
If you are interested in getting involved, please be sure to talk to the FYI Staff.
Have a Question?
Email: fosteryouthindependence@gmail.com ● Phone: (831) 477-6463
Foster Youth Financial Aid
FAFSA
It is highly recommended that you apply for FASFA. Most students receive funding. This grant money is not a loan and
can greatly help in paying for books, rent, and living expenses. Applying for FASFA also gives you access to BOG (Board
of Governors Fee Waiver) Federal Work Study and loans that you wouldn’t normally be able to access.
Steps to Apply:
1. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to start and submit your application.
2. The deadline to apply for the next school year is at the beginning of March.
3. During the Summer Financial Aid will post to your web advisor documents you’ll need to submit.
Do this ASAP so that you receive your FASFA on time.
Important: Don’t forget to activate your Higher One Card as you won’t receive your funds without it.
Chaffee Grant
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The Chafee Grant is for those who have been in foster care on or after their 16 birthday & be under the age of 22.
o Steps to Apply:
1. Submit an application online at www.chafee.csac.ca.gov
2. Submit your FASFA at www.fafsa.ed.gov
3. Fill out and turn in to our office the Chafee Certification Form (We have copies of this form
in the FYI office).
4. Show us your photo ID when you submit the certification form
Cal Grant
Like FASFA, the Cal Grant is money that you won’t need to pay back and is highly recommended that you apply.
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Requirements are that you are a California Resident and must meet either the March 2 or September 2 priority
deadline.
Visit: /www.calgrants.org. for the application and steps to apply
Dream Act
The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain provisions to
apply for and receive private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university
grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.
Visit: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ for the application and steps to apply
Cabrillo General Scholarship
If you are taking 6 units in the fall and have at least a 2.5 GPA you are eligible to apply.
The application opens in Mid-November and is due in early February. This scholarship applies to the next academic
year.
Visit: https://www.cabrillo.edu/services/finaid/genscholarship.html for application information
Scholarship Binder
Additional scholarships can be found on Cabrillo’s Financial Aid web page:
https://www.cabrillo.edu/services/finaid/scholarshipbinder.html
The FYI Office will also frequently have scholarship opportunities posted and emailed out, so be sure to check your
email!
Have a Question?
Email: fosteryouthindependence@gmail.com ● Phone: (831) 477-6463
Textbook Support
Burton Book Award
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The John Burton Foundation provides a yearly award of up to $350 (based on the
amount of units taken) that goes towards your book expenses.
Requirements:
o Have been in Foster Care on or after the age of 13
o Completed FYI Application ( Which is just the Application & Documentation of
being in Foster Care)
Applications are available in the FYI Office at the start of each semester.
The John Burton Foundation offers many other programs, you find these at
http://www.johnburtonfoundation.org
EOPS Book Voucher
If you are part of EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services), you have access to a book
voucher each semester. You must be in good standing with the program and this voucher is
subject to change.
If you would like to find out more information about EOPS, ask an FYI Staff member or visit the
EOPS Office in Room 907 or contact them directly at: 831-479-6305
ILP Book Voucher
If you are part of ILP (Independent Living Program), you have access to a book voucher . You
must meet with your ILP Coordinator, have passed your classes the previous semester, and have
met with our FYI academic advisor in order to receive this book voucher. As with all ILP services,
these are available till a student is 21.
If you want to more information about ILP or the book voucher, you can contact Rocky Allemandi
at (831) 459-0444 ext: 215 or speak to your coordinator if you are already part of the program.
Math Textbook Loan Program
If you are in one of the following math classes (Math 254A/B, Math 254SI, Math 154, Math 152, or
Math 142) and part of FYI, you can check out the textbook for this class for the semester.
Students can also borrow a scientific calculator for Math 154/152 or a graphing calculator for Math 142.
If you are interested in this program, speak to an FYI Staff member.
Textbooks on Reserve in the Library
In the Cabrillo College Library, you can check out your courses textbook for up to 1 hour (or
overnight / over the weekend if you check it out before closing hours).
Be sure to check with your teacher if the book is on reserve in the library and if you check the
book out overnight, remember to bring it back the next morning to avoid being charged.
Have a Question?
Email: fosteryouthindependence@gmail.com ● Phone: (831) 477-6463
Campus Partners
EOPS
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Located in Room 907. Contact Information: 831-479-6305
Applications open up in early December for spring and mid-May for Fall (Apply Early!)
Services include academic counseling, priority registration, book vouchers, and scholarships.
Qualifications:
 Be a California Resident & Qualify for the BOG Fee Waiver
 Be enrolled in 12 or more units
 Have not completed more than 70 degree applicable units.
Accessibility Support Center
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Located in Rm 1073 (In the Hub). Contact information: 831- 479-6379
Provides academic assistance including, note takers, extended time on tests, proctoring, etc.
Student Health Services
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Located in Room 912. Contact Information 831-479-6435
Provides medical services, short-term personal counseling, and referrals to community resources. Most
services paid for by your student fees.
Student Employment
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Located in SAC West (Street-Level) Contact Information: 831.479.6413
Provides assistance in finding on / off campus jobs, resume, interview prep. and more!
Weekly Hours in the FYI Office
Student Resource & Support Network
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Located in SAC West (Street-Level) Contact Information: 831.479.6344
Provides Services to CALWORKS and WIOA Students.
The Hub
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Located in upstairs in the Library, the Hub offers:
 English Learning Center (For Writing Support)
 Tutoring (Free!) - One-on-one tutoring on specific subjects
 Math Learning Center
Learning Communities
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Ranging from the Academy for College Excellence (ACE) to STARS & Puente, being a part of a learning
community is an excellent way to start your college path.
For more information, contact (831) 479-6201
Veterans Information Center (VIC)
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Located in Room 914 (Near the Cafeteria), the VIC provides assistance for veterans transitioning out of
active duty and into student life. Services include computers, tutoring, study space, and assistance with
connecting with campus and community resources.
For more information and current hours contact: 831-479-6110
Academic Counseling and Transfer & Career Center
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Located in Building 100, Academic Counselors are available to help you with your education plans,
transferring/ career goals or any other questions about Cabrillo you may have.
To schedule a counseling appointment, call: 831.479.6274 (Sally Larter is our FYI Academic Counselor)
The Transfer & Career Center provides a wealth of resources to help you in finding your career path or what
4-year institutions you’d like to transfer to. For more information, call 831.479.6385.
Have a Question about any of these services?
Email: fosteryouthindependence@gmail.com ● Phone: (831) 477-6463
Community Resources
Visit: http://scstudentresources.org/ for many more resources
Food
 Cal Fresh: 1 (888) 421-8080
 Food Line/Food Resources: 662-0991
 WIC (Women Infants Children): (SC) 426-3911 (W): 722-7121
Housing
 Community Support Services (Encompass): (831) 459-0444
 Homeless Services Center: (831) 431-6262
 CASA: (831) 761-2956
Health and Wellness
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Medi-CAL: 1 (888) 421-8080
Walnut Ave Women’s Center: 426-3062
Planned Parenthood: (SC) 426-5550 (W)724-7525
County Mental Health(call services): (SC) 454-4170 (W) 763-8990
Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center: 427-3500
Salud Para La Gente (Dental): (SC) 426-3413 (W)728-0222
Suicide Crisis Support Hotline: 458-5300
Access Team (24-hour mental health assessment and referral): 1-800-952-2335
ALA-Teen: 462-1818
Additional Resources
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2-1-1 (For help on additional resources): 1-800-273-6222
Non-Emergency Police: (SC)471-1131 (W)471-1151
DMV: 1(800)- 777-0133
PG & E: 1(800) 743-5000
Have a Question?
Email: fosteryouthindependence@gmail.com ● Phone: (831) 477-6463