Foster Youth Resources

An eligible applicant must be currently under the jurisdiction of the Dependency Court of Los Angeles County or previously under the court’s jurisdiction.

The Cal Grant B Foster Youth award allows students who are current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility. Foster youth have until their 26 birthday to apply.

If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back.

Scholarships may be awarded to graduating high school seniors at our Celebration I and Celebration II events so check with your Independent Living Program (ILP) Transition Coordinator for applications and information (including deadlines) on these events.

They provide direct academic scholarships, coaching, and mentor programs for youth in foster care nationwide — all youth currently in foster care, aged-out, and emancipated youth are encouraged to apply.

FC2S partners with organizations, foundations, and individuals to deliver scholarships to foster youth across the country. With this funding and our support, hundreds of young people reach their educational goals every year.

Scholarship America works directly with students, parents, colleges, businesses and communities to help students fulfill their college dreams. Since it was founded in 1958, Scholarship America has distributed $4.9 billion to 2.9 million students … and counting.

United Friends empowers current and former foster youth on their journey to self-sufficiency through service-enriched education and housing programs, advocacy, and consistent relationships with a community of people who care.

More details about eligibility requirements for the Independent Living Program.

Only an ILP/Transition Coordinator can verify your eligibility. However, if you are between the ages of 16- 20, you may be eligible for Independent Living Program (ILP) services if one of the following applies to you:
- Were/are in a foster care placement at any time from age 16 - 18*
- Were/are under a legal guardianship with a relative (KinGAP) and received/are receiving KinGAP services between the ages of 16 to 18 years of age
- Were/are in a Dependency Court granted non-related legal guardianship that was granted on or after your 8th birthday

A Sense of Home creates first-ever homes for youth aging out of foster care with donated furniture and home goods.

Understanding the different types of Transitional Housing Programs.

They offer the LGBTQ+ Communities of Los Angeles County access to all types of free and low-cost health, human, and social services information and referrals that best meet their individual needs.

LGBTQ youth in Los Angeles have a vast array of resources to be explored. From health services to scholarships and support groups and more, find out more about what is made available to you through their links to local organizations.

The LifeWorks one-on-one Mentoring Program is part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center LGBTQ youth ages 12-24 the opportunity to be matched with an adult in our community who will support them in goal-setting through five achievement areas: home, health, education, career, and personal development.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s groundbreaking, federally-funded RISE (Recognize Intervene Support Empower) initiative initially developed and tested a new service model. The model works with youth, parents, caregivers, and professionals to prepare families, organizations, and systems to respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth and combat the heterosexism and anti-LGBTQ+ bias that leads to adverse health and mental health outcomes.

CalFresh is a California financial aid program that helps students buy food and eat healthier. It won’t affect your financial aid and you don’t need your parent's tax return information to apply.

Professional mentorship to empower foster youth with personal and professional tools to be self-sufficient after foster care.

SPY works with youth ages 12-25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We know that homelessness can look different for each individual: it can mean sleeping on the streets/beach, in a van/car, or couch surfing. We can also provide support if you're staying at a motel, just traveling through, or feeling unsafe at home.

Need help getting to school or work? ILP may be able to help you. Our Youth On the Move Program may be able to get you a MTA annual transit pass (TAP card).