Foster Services Resource Fair
In recognition of Foster Youth Awareness Month, Santa Monica College (SMC) heightened awareness with the Foster Services Resource Fair on Thursday, May 23, outside the SMC Library walkway. The fair aims to share career opportunities and resources that help disadvantaged students shape, equip and champion goals while enrolled at a California community college.
Santa Monica College offers Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), which provides resources such as academic counseling, financial aid, meal assistance, school supplies, workshops, mental health services and more.
EOPS features two subsidiary programs: NextUp and the Guardian Scholars program. Both programs provide tools for academic success, but the NextUp program specifically serves former and current foster youth under the age of 25. The Guardian Scholars program, on the other hand, does not have an age requirement.
Raul Enciso, the project manager for NextUp, shared his thoughts on what he hoped to gain from the Foster Services Resource Fair. He said, “Honestly, just continuity…make this an annual thing.” Enciso pointed out the importance of ushering “exposure and awareness” for foster youth services.
Foster Services Resource Fair is hosted in partnership with EOPS and presented by the Guardian Scholars Program, Next Up and Kogi Tacos.