News Summary
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa has received a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative will provide financial and academic support for former foster youth, focusing on their unique challenges as they transition to higher education. With tailored resources in a Christian college environment, the program aims to enhance academic success and personal growth. Mark Orphan, an alumnus and co-founder of a nonprofit for foster youth, will direct the initiative, furthering the university’s commitment to equitable educational opportunities.
Costa Mesa, California — Vanguard University has been awarded a substantial $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to launch a new scholarship initiative aimed at supporting former foster youth. The funding will establish the Headwind Scholars program, which is designed to provide financial assistance, academic resources, and comprehensive support services for recipients.
The Headwind Scholars program will address the unique challenges faced by students who have transitioned out of the foster care system. As part of the initiative, the university will offer tailored resources to empower these students in a Christian college environment. The aim is to create a supportive educational atmosphere that enhances opportunities for academic success and personal growth.
Vanguard University President Michael J. Beals expressed confidence that the grant will have a long-term positive impact on the academic journeys of students involved in the program. The emphasis on developmental support will provide critical tools for success, ensuring that these individuals have access to the resources they need to thrive in their collegiate experience.
Executive Director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, Howard Booker, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to supporting children who have faced abuse and neglect. This grant reflects a dedicated effort to invest in the futures of these young adults and to foster an environment where they can achieve their educational goals.
To oversee the Headwind Scholars program, Vanguard University has appointed Mark Orphan as its director. Orphan is not only an alumnus of Vanguard but also a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Finally Home, which advocates for the rights and support of foster youth and adoption. His experience and passion in this area make him a fitting choice to lead the program.
Founded in 1920, Vanguard University is a private Christian institution located in Costa Mesa, California. The university currently enrolls around 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members, providing a variety of offerings, including 30 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs. The university prides itself on fostering a community that supports holistic learning and development within a faith-based framework.
The Headwind Scholars program represents a significant step towards creating equitable educational opportunities for former foster youth, who often face barriers to higher education. By providing financial aid, academic support, and resources tailored to their needs, Vanguard University aims to not only improve retention rates among these students but also enhance their overall educational outcomes.
As the initiative develops, Vanguard University and the In-N-Out Burger Foundation hope that the Headwind Scholars program will serve as a model for other institutions looking to support vulnerable populations in higher education. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to social responsibility and the importance of helping former foster youth navigate the complexities of college life.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard University
- Wikipedia: Foster care
- PR Newswire: Naming of Patty Arvielo School of Business
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- LA Times: Vanguard University Partnership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Pasadena Now: Fletcher Jones Foundation Award
- Google News: Vanguard University Headwind Scholars
