Education

Academic and financial support for school and other educational opportunities available. Categories include High School Completion, Scholarships, and Supportive Programs

Petaluma Adult School

Ages: Adults - Eligibility: Designed for adults who did not complete the traditional high school model. The diploma is typically best for students who need less than 50 credits. If a student needs more, they can get support studying for the HiSET or GED. - Areas Served: Petaluma, Sonoma, Windsor, and Santa Rosa locations - Address: 200 Douglas St, Petaluma, CA 94952 - Phone: (707) 778-4633

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA: Petaluma Adult School offers a high school diploma program designed for adults who did not complete the traditional high school model. The program offers an opportunity for students to work independently at their own pace, offers a small, lab style class, and provides teacher support when needed.

TEST PREP - HISET/GED: Students who do not have transcripts from their previous school or who need more than 50 credits are often interested in pursuing test preparation classes for the HiSET or GED high school equivalency. Preparation can be done in either English or Spanish.

PROGRAM LOCATIONS: PETALUMA: San Antonio High School, SANTA ROSA: Ridgway High School, SONOMA VALLEY: Creekside High School, WINDSOR: Northbay Met Academy

Santa Rosa Junior College: GED and HiSET Services

Ages: All - Eligibility: FREE open-entry/open-exit Academic Skills labs on the Santa Rosa and Petaluma campuses for students who apply through the SRJC - Address: 1501 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4395 - Phone: (707) 527-4011

Free, easy access classes and computer laps to prepare for high school equivalency tests such as the GED and HiSET. You can also use it to improve your reading, math and writing abilities for work and college classes. Free GED/HiSET preparation classes in Spanish at the Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Southwest campuses, as well as at various off-campus locations. FREE GED/HiSET preparation classes in English at the Santa Rosa campus.

Youth Connections

Ages: 16-24 - Eligibility: Out-of-school youth, ages 16 to 24 in Sonoma County - Areas Served: Sonoma County - Address: 1260 N Dutton Ave Suite 275, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 - Phone: (707) 578-2034

Youth Connections is a program of CAP Sonoma that partners with local high schools and community agencies to help provide a High School Diploma Plus program focused on at-risk, resilient youth, ages 16-24 years old. Our students overcome incredible obstacles to be where they are today, and have inspiring journeys to tell about their pursuit towards a high school diploma. All our youth are at-risk or disadvantaged by their socio-economic status, and we give them not only the resources to complete their diploma, but the college and career mentoring, workforce development experience, and the life skills counseling necessary to take their next step in life with confidence.

10,000 Degrees

Ages: N/A - Eligibility: Students must provide information showing financial need. Students must be enrolled in a program leading to his/her first Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or teaching credential during the current academic year. Students must be enrolled in an average of 12 academic units per term during the 2018-19 academic year (or full-time as designated by school). - Due: by March 2nd - Areas Served: The majority of our scholarships are for students from Marin and Sonoma County. - Address: 120 Stony Point Rd #150, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 - Phone: (707) 328-1771

10,000 Degrees proudly provides scholarships to students with significant financial need who exhibit a strong desire to go to college and accomplish their educational goals. The majority of scholarships are available to students from Sonoma, Marin, and San Francisco counties though we also administer scholarships for students in the greater Bay Area (California).

Valley of the Moon Children's Foundation Scholarship

Ages: All - Eligibility: The application process is competitive and is limited to current/former foster youth living in Sonoma County or foster youth currently living out of county but are/were a Sonoma County foster youth. - Due: End of April (Check back for exact date) - Address: P. O. Box 11671, Santa Rosa, CA 95406 - Email: vmcf.katie@gmail.com

The Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation Education Fund Scholarship Program was established by Dianne Edwards, Director of Human Services Department, Sonoma County – now retired. Dianne was interested in establishing a fund that individuals, community and business groups could support, that would provide scholarships for former foster children of Sonoma County. The fund is administered by the Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation; a non profit corporation dedicated to assisting current and former foster youth in achieving their goals and potential. The scholarship fund will provide scholarships to students who are former foster youth of Sonoma County. Currently, scholarships will be in the minimum of $1,000 for each successful applicant.

10,000 Degrees Institute

Ages: High school students - Eligibility: Be a current junior, demonstrate financial need, and live and/or attend a high school in Marin County OR Live and/or attend one of the following high schools in Sonoma County: Sonoma Valley, Hanna Boys Center, Casa Grande, Petaluma, Piner, Elsie Allen, or Healdsburg. Not be enrolled in other college access programs. Areas Served: Marin and Sonoma County. - Address: 120 Stony Point Rd #150, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 - Phone: (707) 328-1771

The 10,000 Degrees Institute is a college success program that focuses on supporting seniors from low-income backgrounds to matriculate to and through college. We firmly believe in supporting students in reaching their full potential regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, documentation status, or socioeconomic background. Students begin their participation in the program through a two-day, one-night Summer Intensive experience at a local college campus. After the Summer Intensive, students are paired with a college success Fellow who will work with them in achieving the necessary steps for the college process. Students are expected to attend weekly meetings where they focus on matriculation steps such as completing college applications and financial aid.

Redwood Empire Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (REJATC)

Ages: All - Eligibility: You must be at 18 years or older at the time of selection. You must possess a valid driver's license. You must be a high school graduate, or have a G.E.D. or its equivalent; or have a two-year Associate Degree or higher. Additional requirements, such as math requirements and official transcripts are located on their website and application. - Address: 1726 Corby Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 - Phone: (707) 523-3837  Email: info@rejatc.org 

There are three different training programs offered: Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, and Sound & Communication. The 5-year training program offers a living wage for apprentices with full health benefits for you and your family, retirement pension, and upwards of $100,000 annual salary upon graduation.

Santa Rosa Junior College: Bear Cub Scholars

Ages: All - Eligibility: Have been in court ordered foster care for at least one day, a High school graduate or completed GED, enrolled in at least 3 units - Address: 1501 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4395 - Phone: (707) 521-7812

Our Bear Cub Scholars Program is committed to improving the retention and success rate of foster youth in college. Our services include academic counseling, assistance with textbooks & supplies, parking passes, college trips and emergency gift cards.

Santa Rosa Junior College: EOPS

Ages: All - Eligibility: For full-time, low income, educationally disadvantaged students (e.g., first generation college students, those without a high school diploma or GED, foster youth, ESL students, or those who test at low English or math levels). Be a California resident or Non-Resident Tuition Exempt (AB-540) status. Qualify for a California College Promise Grant, formerly known as the BOG Waiver.

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) is a program that helps full-time, low income, educationally disadvantaged students achieve their academic goals at Santa Rosa Junior College. The program is designed to make the college experience accessible and rewarding to those facing English language, social, or economic challenges. EOPS strives to be responsive to the needs of the students in our program, and to create a campus-wide environment that is supportive of cultural diversity.

Santa Rosa Junior College: NextUp

Ages: 16-25 - Eligibility: Be considered a current or former foster youth in California whose dependency was established or continued by the court on or after your 16th birthday. Be a California resident or Non-Resident Tuition Exempt (AB-540) status. Qualify for a California College Promise Grant, formerly known as the BOG Waiver. Be enrolled in 9 or more units at time of application (unless approved for less through DRD). Not older than 25 at the beginning of the academic year. - Address: 1501 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4395 - Phone: (707) 521-7827

The NextUp program, formerly known as CAFYES works with Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) to tailor and expand on the services that are being offered to current and former foster youth attending Santa Rosa Junior College. In addition to all EOPS Services and Bear Cub Scholar services, NextUp students can receive: Emergency housing assistance, additional book funding for required textbooks, vendor cards for food and/or transportation, NextUp Grants, and parking permits.

Sonoma County Office of Education - Foster Youth Services

Ages: High School Students - Eligibility: Resource to find foster youth liaisons on high school campuses - Address: 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 - Phone: (707) 524-2661

Sonoma State University: MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement)

Ages: All - Eligibility: Please see link, multiple eligibility requirements listed. Must be attending SRJC with a calculus-based STEM transfer major - Address: 1501 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4395 - Phone: (707) 527-4011

Sonoma State University: Seawolf Scholars

Ages: All - Eligibility: For Sonoma State students, willing to meet with the Seawolf Scholars Program Coordinator, qualify for admission to Sonoma State University as a freshman or transfer student, qualify for "Independent Student Status" under federal financial aid guidelines and must be a current or former Foster Youth. - Address: 1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 - Phone: (707) 664-3504

The Mission of the Seawolf Scholars Foster Youth Program is to increase the academic and personal success of motivated and inspiring foster youth enrolled at Sonoma State University. We assist current and former foster youth in developing a campus community, and in accessing essential on and off- campus resources. The Seawolf Scholars Program strives to breakdown stereotypes by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Foster Care System for Sonoma State University students, staff, faculty, and local community.

VOICES: Education Navigator Program

Ages: 16-24 - Eligibility: Any youth involved with VOICES and needs educational support focusing on post-secondary education. - Address: 714 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 - Phone: (707) 579-4327

 The Education Navigator Program supports youth aged 16 to 24 in identifying and achieving post secondary education goals through one-on-one coaching, exploring education opportunities, understanding financial aid, facilitating warm hand-offs at local schools, and continuing to provide emotional and educational guidance after enrollment. The primary goal of the program is to bridge the divide between high school and college to those who often fall in between without additional support. This includes connection to high school completion programs, GED prep resources, and guidance toward career options. The program focuses on foster youth but is able to serve any youth that come into the center.