Foster Youth Scholarships Program

Location: Contra Costa County, California
Address: 400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Program Overview

VESTIA's Foster Youth Scholarship Program supports foster youth from high school graduation through age 21, helping them pursue college, vocational training, or other higher education pathways. In 2025, the program awarded $35,000 in scholarships to 30 inspiring students.

Funding Sources

• Vogt-Morentz Charitable Fund - Primary funder, established $50,000 donation in December 2024
• Barry Taylor Scholarship Fund
• Individual VESTIA donors

Focus Areas

• Primary Focus: Education support for foster youth aging out of the system
• Geographic Scope: Contra Costa County, California
• Eligible Population: Former foster youth (ages 17-21) from Contra Costa County
• Education Types: College, vocational training, higher education pathways

Special Initiatives

Need to $ucceed Scholarship - Launched with $50,000 from Vogt-Morentz Charitable Fund, specifically supporting re-entry students who have significantly delayed enrolling or experienced major gaps in their educational journey

Key Statistics

• Nationwide foster care graduation rates: Only ~50% finish high school; <5% graduate from four-year college; 2-6% complete two-year college degree
• California rates: 25% four-year college graduation; 8% community college completion
• More than 600 children estimated in foster care system in Contra Costa County

Barriers Addressed

• Academic challenges from educational disruption and trauma
• Financial barriers and lack of resources
• Insufficient support systems and mentoring

Background

VESTIA has served thousands of low-income children and families in Contra Costa County. The organization recognizes that foster youth are a diverse group deserving opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their full potential.