NextUp (formerly CAFYES)
Are you a foster youth who wants to attend college?
Connect with Berkeley City College’s NextUp program for the help you need to earn your degree! Berkeley City College announces a new service for foster youth. NextUp is a state-funded program that provides various support services to eligible current and former foster youth.
If you need help with your college tuition, books, supplies, job training, and other assistance to help you earn your college degree, connect with Berkeley City College’s NextUp office.
NextUp Services
- Coaching, Case Management, Information and Referrals
- Help with Financial Aid Applications and Challenges
- Stipends for Living and Academic Services
- Academic Counseling, Education Planning and Support
- Paid Internship Opportunities
- Skill-Building and Team-Building Workshops
- NextUp Financial Support (Cash Grants) and a Technology Loan Program
- Transportation Assistance and Monthly Meal Vouchers
- Specialized Workshops and Book Grants
NextUp Eligibility
Current or former foster youth may be eligible for NextUp if they meet the following conditions*:
- Are a resident of California
- Were in foster care on or after their 16th birthday in California
- Be No Older Than 25 Years of Age at the beginning of the Academic Year
- Enroll in at Least 9 Units
- Have Dependency Established or Continued by the Court on or After Your 16th Birthday
- Be a Current or Former Foster Youth in the State of California Whose Dependency Was Established or Continued by the Court on or after Your 16th
*Other conditions may apply.
Program Requirements
- Meet with a counselor to create an educational plan
- Provide class enrollment schedule
- Submit semester progress reports
- Attend workshops
How to Apply
- Apply to the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program, located on the 3rd floor of Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704.
- Apply to the NextUp program.
- Submit your proof of foster status.
*Please note EOPS will refer foster youth to the NextUp program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are on the 3rd Floor of Berkeley City College, 2050 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, in downtown Berkeley, a half block from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station
Why do I need to apply to both the EOPS and NextUp programs?
NextUp is a branch of Extended Opportunities Program and Services (EOPS). We must establish eligibility for EOPS and NextUp before providing services. *Note: Some eligibility requirements may differ from each program. Contact us or come in for more information.
What if I do not have proof of my foster youth status?
Contact your local ombudsperson office at 1-877-846-1602 or email them at fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov
Is NextUp only offered at Berkeley City College in the Peralta Community College District?
No, NextUp is offered at all the campuses in the Peralta Community College District.
What if I am enrolled in classes at more than one PCCD city college?
That’s not a problem, the campus where you have the most units is your main NextUp office.
For more information or to sign up, contact Ronda Johnson, NextUp Coordinator rrjohnson@peralta.edu
Contact NextUp
Location: BCC Main Building 3rd Floor
Email: Bcc-eops@peralta.edu
Phone: (510) 981-2819
Ronda Johnson
Counselor/Coordinator, NextUp rrjohnson@peralta.edu
Office: 349
***NextUp (formerly CAFYES) was authorized by Chapter 771, Statutes of 2014. NextUp is a supplemental component of the existing Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program. The purpose of NextUp is to strengthen the capacity of community college districts to support the higher education success, health and well-being of some of the nearly 13,000 current and former foster youth who are enrolled in California’s community colleges. The NextUp program is designed to assist current and former foster youth whose dependency was established or continued by the court on or after a student’s 16th birthday. The NextUp program is structured to help students with financial assistance, general counseling, and additional support services.***