Educational Support

Are you a former foster youth interested in going to college or vocational school but don't know where to start? Maybe you want to finish your GED or high school diploma? A lot of assistance is available if you want to attend college, community college, vocational or adult school!

B:E can help you

find schools that are right for you;
navigate the the application process;
determine what financial aid you're eligible for; and
access available grants, scholarships and loans.

Our Education Specialist will provide you with the support you need to access resources that will help you begin, and stay with, your education.

Contact: Raquel Stratton, (510) 667-7803.

Alameda County Book Money

Assistance with books and supplies is available for Alameda County foster and former foster youth enrolled in accredited colleges or vocational schools. To be eligible, you must be taking at least 6 units and maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average. If you maintain a 3.0 you can receive even more money! There are two types of book money assistance available: Textbook Grants and Textbook Stipends.

Textbook Grant Eligibility

To receive a Textbook Grant (check made out to you), you must meet all of the following criteria:

Be a former dependent of Alameda county and was in a foster home, group home or residential treatment program at age 16 or 17.
Be between the ages of 18 and 23.
Have a high school diploma or GED (those who have not completed their high school education are eligible for the textbook vouchers only).
Be enrolled in a college or vocational program.
Have a GPA that is 2.0 or higher (returning students only)

Download the Textbook Grant Application Form here.

Textbook Stipend Eligibility

To receive a Textbook Stipend (check made out to your college bookstore), you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Be a former dependent of Alameda county and was in a foster home, group home or residential treatment program at age 16 or 17.
2. Be between the ages of 18 and 23.
3. Be enrolled in a college or vocational program but have not finished your high school diploma or earned a GED

Download the Textbook Stipend Application Form here.

The deadline for Fall Book Money applications is September 3, 2010. Don't miss out! Download and submit your application today!

Need more information? Call the Book Money Hotline at (510) 667-7627 to leave a message, or call on Wednesdays between 12:00-5:00 pm to speak to a live person.

You can also download a copy of Book Money A to Z: Everything You Need To Know About Alameda County's Book Money.

Thinking About College? B2B Might Be For You.

Do you have a high school diploma or GED and are thinking about community college? Would you like to get some financial, peer and adult mentor support to help you through your first couple of semesters? If you answered yes to these questions, B2B just might be for you! B2B is designed to help former foster youth maximize the first year of college by forming networks and connecting with the intellectual, social and cultural community at Laney College. A two week introductory seminar (1 college credit) will be held August 2-13.

Want to know more? Call Stephanie McLemore at (510) 667-7601 or email her at stephaniemc@beyondemancipation.org.

Education Links

California Chafee Grant Program
Grants for current and former foster youth attending college, career or technical school who meet the eligibility requirements.

FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid

California Student Aid Commission
Financial aid information for California residents
1-888-224-7268

Cal Grants
Grants for California students attending college, university, career, or technical school.