大象视频

大象视频 (RCC) is proud to announce that its Guardian Scholars Program has been selected as a recipient of the 2025鈥�2028 Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success鈥擨ndependent Living Program (YESS鈥揑LP) grant. The award totals $66,000 over three years, with $22,000 allocated annually to enhance support for current and former foster youth, ages 16 to 21.

Administered by the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) in partnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the YESS鈥揑LP program is designed to help foster youth successfully transition into independent living by offering integrated support services, career training, and essential life skills. With this grant, RCC鈥檚 Guardian Scholars Program will expand its offerings to include more life skills trainings, workshops, and events in collaboration with local community organizations.

"This is a wonderful addition to the services we provide our students,鈥� said Noemi Hernandez Alexander, Ph.D., Interim Dean of Student Services at RCC. 鈥淩eceiving the YESS鈥揑LP grant means we can continue to build a bridge of support that empowers foster youth beyond academics鈥攊t鈥檚 about helping them thrive in every area of life.鈥�

The selection process for the YESS鈥揑LP grant was highly competitive, and RCC鈥檚 proposal stood out among dozens of applications statewide. According to the FoundationCCC:

鈥淵our proposal stood out among a highly competitive pool of applicants, and we are excited about the potential impact of your grant deliverables and activities. We believe your initiatives will greatly contribute to the goals of the YESS鈥揑LP program.鈥�

Interim Vice President of Student Services, Cruz-Soto, Ed.D., praised the Guardian Scholars team for their dedication and forward-thinking approach. 鈥淭his award is a testament to the innovation and commitment of our student services division,鈥� Cruz-Soto said. 鈥淚t reflects RCC鈥檚 deep investment in equity and in the success of our foster youth. We look forward to the transformative impact this grant will make.鈥�

The RCC Guardian Scholars Program provides comprehensive support to current and former foster youth enrolled at the college, offering services such as academic counseling, financial aid guidance, mental health resources, and now鈥攖hanks to the YESS鈥揑LP grant鈥攁n even stronger foundation for independent living and long-term success.

RCC is honored to be among the institutions advancing the mission of the YESS鈥揑LP program and remains committed to creating a campus where foster youth are empowered, connected, and prepared for their futures.