Bear Cub Scholars
Bear Cub Scholars supports current and former foster youth who are attending or planning to attend Santa Rosa Junior College. Our program brings together NextUp and Guardian Scholars services to help students succeed academically, personally, and financially.
Get Started
Interested in Bear Cub Scholars?
Current and former foster youth may be eligible for specialized counseling, financial assistance, academic support, housing assistance, and other services through Bear Cub Scholars.
Bear Cub Scholars Eligibility
Students may qualify for Bear Cub Scholars / NextUp if they:
- Have been in foster care for at least one day. This may include placement in a foster home, group home, with a relative through the court, or being a ward of the court.
- Have graduated from high school or completed a GED.
- Are enrolled in at least 3 units and working toward being enrolled in 9 units
- Meet income eligibility requirements.
Returning Students
A student who enrolled in NextUp before age 26, later disenrolled, and returns after age 26 may be eligible for readmission to the program.
Services & Benefits
Bear Cub Scholars provides individualized support based on each student's needs. Available services may include:
- Academic, personal, and career counseling
- Financial assistance
- Assistance purchasing required textbooks
- Transportation assistance such as parking permits or gas cards, based on available funding
- Graduation cap, gown, and stole assistance
- Recognition of academic achievement
- School supplies and food pantry access
- Referrals to campus and community resources
- Emergency financial assistance, based on available funding
- Transfer assistance, including counseling, campus visits, and connections with university representatives
Please note: Services may vary depending on individual eligibility, student need, and available funding. Priority for some financial services may be given to students with higher financial need.
On-Campus Housing Support
Interested in Living on Campus?
Current and former foster youth who are interested in SRJC on-campus housing should connect with the Bear Cub Scholars team before beginning the housing process.
Eligible students may receive support with:
- Priority placement for on-campus housing
- Assistance with guarantor requirements
- Deferment of the housing application fee
Housing Eligibility Information
The current Bear Cub Scholars housing information lists the following requirements:
- High school graduate or GED completion
- Enrollment in at least 3 units
- Meet low-income eligibility requirements
- Age 35 or younger at the start of the academic year
Basic Needs & Additional Resources
If you need support with food, housing, transportation, technology, or other basic needs, additional resources are available.
SRJC Basic Needs
Access food, housing, transportation, technology, and other student resources.
Youth Scoop
Find community resources related to housing, transportation, food, and other support.
Connect With Bear Cub Scholars
We're Here to Help
Our team can help you understand program eligibility, complete the application process, access services, and connect with campus and community resources.
If you are interested in on-campus housing or have questions about Bear Cub Scholars services, please contact our office.