Vanguard University Receives Grant for Former Foster Youth

News Summary

Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program, aimed at supporting former foster youth. This initiative will provide financial aid, academic resources, and essential support services to help these students transition to college life. The funding is expected to significantly impact their academic careers, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for this vulnerable population. Mark Orphan has been appointed as the program director, leveraging his experience in aiding youth aging out of foster care.

Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program, aimed at supporting former foster youth. This scholarship initiative will provide financial aid, academic resources, and various support services to help these students successfully transition into and navigate their college experience.

The funding is expected to make a significant impact on the academic careers of the participating students, equipping them with tools and resources necessary for success in higher education. Michael J. Beals, president of Vanguard University, expressed confidence that the Headwind Scholars program will foster long-term benefits for the students involved.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation aims to assist children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Howard Booker, executive director of the foundation, expressed the organization’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the lives of these vulnerable youth through targeted support and scholarships.

Mark Orphan has been appointed as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. A graduate of Vanguard University, Orphan co-founded the nonprofit Finally Home, which focuses on aiding youth aging out of foster care. His experience and dedication are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the scholarship program.

Vanguard University, located in Costa Mesa, is a private Christian institution established in 1920. The university currently enrolls approximately 2,200 students and has nearly 100 full-time faculty members. It offers various programs and has a commitment to the personal and academic development of its students.

The Headwind Scholars program is part of a broader set of initiatives at Vanguard University aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. Over one-third of the graduating class of 2024 at Vanguard University are first-generation college students, with many having faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new program aims to alleviate some of these challenges by providing dedicated resources specifically for former foster youth.

In addition to the Headwind Scholars program, Vanguard University is also celebrating recent developments, including the opening of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service. This new 61,000-square-foot facility, funded by a $10 million donation, aims to enhance student athletic programs and the kinesiology department. The center features state-of-the-art training rooms, human performance labs, and various outdoor workout options, reinforcing the university’s commitment to physical education and student wellness.

Moreover, Vanguard’s women’s volleyball team recently played its first match in the new gymnasium within the Freed Center, marking a new chapter in the university’s athletic programs. The ongoing growth within the kinesiology department demonstrates Vanguard’s efforts to prepare students for careers in health and fitness, contributing to the overall holistic development of its student body.

The call for community action remains strong in Costa Mesa and surrounding areas as organizations continue to engage in support activities. For example, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast opened a college and workforce hub at Cypress College to serve over 750 underserved teens and young adults annually. Similarly, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles are set to hold their annual Diaper Drive on May 30, collecting essential items for families in need.

Recent charitable events have also shown local commitment to giving back; Tilly’s raised $130,000 at its 18th annual charity golf tournament benefiting Tilly’s Life Center, while Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire gathered $300,000 at its 10th annual “It’s In The Bag” Spring Fête, supporting wishes for children with critical illnesses. These efforts complement Vanguard University’s initiatives, indicating a robust community dedication towards student support and the welfare of youth within the region.

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Additional Resources

• OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U
• Wikipedia: Foster Care
• ABC7: Vanguard University Class of 2024
• Google Search: Vanguard University programs
• Broadway World: Journey to the Center of the Earth at Vanguard University
• Google Scholar: Vanguard University
• LA Times: Vanguard Dedicates Freed Center
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service