FYSI
SERVICES & ELIGIBILITY
PROGRAM SERVICES
Priority Registration
FYSI students have access to priority registration, ensuring them the opportunity to secure their classes.
Financial Aid & Basic Needs Assistance
FYSI students receive support through vouchers, cards, and grants to help ensure they have all they need to succeed
Book Supplies
We offer support with book supplies with the FYSI Book Award and educational supply vendor cards.
Campus & Community Referrals
We help our students stay informed about the different resources that are available to them both on and off campus!
Specialist/Coordinator Support
We provide personalized support to FYSI students through our Student Services Specialists and Coordinators.
Graduation Support
We provide FYSI students with caps, gowns, and sashes so they can focus on celebrating their achievements.
Academic Counseling
We offer one-on-one academic counseling to support students in achieing their goals.
Workshops & Events
We host informative workshops & events tailored to help our students succeed.
Need a Presentation???
Click the link below to request presentations from the EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, and FYSI Programs now!
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Regardless of the program’s funding source, all eligible students are part of FYSI and receive dedicated support aimed at promoting academic success, personal growth, and college completion.
Students Meeting the Criteria Below Will Be Funded by FYSI – SEAC & CCPF Grant:
Students who meet the criteria below may qualify for FYSI support funded by SEAC & CCPF, which provides additional services and resources beyond standard FYSI support.
To qualify for FYSI/SEAC, a student must:
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- Are a current or former foster youth (California or out-of-state)
- Are 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Are enrolled in at least 6 units, or working with a counselor on a Student Education Plan (SEP)**
(Students with DSS accommodations may qualify with fewer units) - Have not earned an AA/AS degree or higher
- Have 55 or fewer degree-applicable units
- Submit unofficial or official high school/college transcripts and a Ward of the Court letter to verify eligibility
Students Meeting the Criteria Below Will Be Funded by FYSI – NextUP:
Students who meet the criteria below may qualify for FYSI support funded by NextUP, which provides additional services and resources beyond standard FYSI support.
To qualify for FYSI/NextUP, a student must:
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- Have been in foster care, in any state, for at least one day on or after their 13th birthday
- Be enrolled in at least 9 units or actively working with a counselor to complete an education plan with the future goal of enrolling in 9 units**
- Be 26 years old or younger at the start of the academic year when they first enroll in the program
- Students who enroll before age 26 may continue in the program even after turning 26
- Students who joined NextUp before 26, left the program, and later return after age 26 may be readmitted to the same or another NextUp program
Required Documents (All FYSI Applicants):
- Unofficial or official high school and/or college transcripts
- Ward of the Court letter
Request your letter by calling the State of California Foster Care Ombudsman’s Office at 1-877-846-1602
or submit a request online
**Note: If you wish to join EOPS in addition to FYSI, you must also meet EOPS eligibility requirements. Our team can help determine which programs you qualify for and support you through the application process.**
STUDENT PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Appointment Requirements
- Two Counseling Appointments (APR not included)
- One Coordinator/Specialist Appointment
- Please note that appointments with EOPS & FYSI Coordinators/Specialists will NOT count towards the “Counseling Appointment” requirements
Academic Progress Report (APR) Requirement
- The APR instructions will be emailed to all students via Canvas
- If you are an FYSI student who is also enrolled in EOPS, please submit your APR via the EOPS Canvas
- If you are an FYSI student who is NOT enrolled in EOPS, the APR must be submitted via the FYSI Canvas
Tutoring/Workshop Requirements
- New students are required to complete 3 hours of tutoring for the semester.
- Continuing students have the option to complete 1 workshop or complete 3 hours of tutoring.
For questions about your workshop or tutoring hours, please email fosteryouth@fullcoll.edu.
HOW DO I APPLY TO THE FYSI PROGRAM?
The FYSI Program accepts applications year-round! Follow the steps below to get started:
Apply to Fullerton College
For all new and returning students, please submit your college application to admissions.fullcoll.edu (continuing students are NOT required to re-apply).
(Foster Youth students 19 years and under will need to provide a "Ward of the Court" letter to show proof of CA Residence)
Submit the FYSI Application
Complete the online FYSI application at fosteryouth.fullcoll.edu. You’ll need to upload:
- A Ward of the Court letter or verification of foster care status
- Unofficial or official high school/college transcripts
Need help verifying your foster care status?
Contact the California Foster Care Ombudsman’s Office: 1-877-846-1602 or request verification online
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Complete the FAFSA (or CA Dream Act application if you're undocumented or a non-citizen):
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Apply for the Chafee Grant – a special grant just for current and former foster youth:
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Create your WebGrants4Students account to track your financial aid, Cal Grant, and Chafee Grant status:
mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
Complete Onboarding (Once Approved)
Once you are approved for the FYSI Program, you'll complete the following steps:
Attend the FYSI New Student Orientation
- Learn about the services, resources, and support available to you as a foster youth student.
Complete an Intake Academic Counseling Appointment
- Meet one-on-one with an academic counselor to discuss your goals and available support.
Create a Student Education Program Plan (SEPP)
- Develop a personalized plan that outlines the courses needed to reach your educational and career goals.
Register for Classes
- Log in to myGateway to check your registration appointment date under the “Student” tab.
- Once your registration window opens, you can enroll in classes through myGateway.
- Be sure to register early for the best selection of classes!
Stay Connected
Check your email regularly for important updates, deadlines, and messages from the FYSI team.
Update your contact information in myGateway to make sure we can reach you with reminders and opportunities!
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Appointment only
Closed on Fridays, Sundays and campus holidays.