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Scholarships & Financial Assistance <br />Our Children's Trust Fund provides financial, educational and emergency assistance to <br />current and former foster youth, with an emphasis on those who are pursuing higher <br />education after emancipation (release from the dependency system at age 18). <br />• Over $720,000 was provided in scholarships to 241 young adults for college or trade <br />school. These students attended 58 schools in 8 states throughout the U.S. <br />• Awarded another $140,000 in other grants to 421 children and young adults seeking <br />assistance. <br />Guardian Scholars Program <br />A nationally recognized program that partners with local educational institutions to <br />provide comprehensive support and resources to former foster youth in their efforts to <br />gain a university, community college or trade school education. <br />• Supported 127 students. <br />• Had 26 students successfully graduate during the year, bringing the total to 104. <br />• Partner schools in the greater Orange County area now total 15 and include CSUF, <br />UCI, Orange Coast College, Hope International University, Chapman University, <br />American Career College, Fullerton Community College, Concordia University, <br />Taller San Jose, USC, UCLA, Santa Ana College, Loyola Marymount University, <br />Cypress College and CSU San Marcos. <br />Rising Tide Communities/Housing <br />Rising Tide offers motivated, former foster youth affordable, quality housing and a <br />supportive, goal -directed community for successful transition into adulthood. <br />• Provided transitional housing throughout the year to a total of 46 former foster youth <br />at Rising Tide's two apartment complexes. <br />• Various housing assistance and referrals were also provided to more than 90% of <br />additional Orangewood youth as housing continues to be their #1 issue. <br />Orangewood Resource Center (ORC) <br />The ORC is a drop in center providing guidance, assistance and access to resources <br />needed to become independent. Areas of focus include education, employment, career <br />counseling, housing and healthcare. <br />• Served more than 400 youth seeking assistance in a total of over 3,000 visits. <br />Peer Mentor Program <br />Provides an opportunity for former foster youth to mentor teens currently placed at <br />Orangewood Children's Home, youth in foster care and those accessing services at the <br />ORC. <br />• Held 13 sessions at the Home reaching approximately 260 teens and facilitated small - <br />group sessions at 133 ILP workshops for over 680 teens. <br />• Developed leadership skills for 32 Peer Mentors through training sessions and an off - <br />site retreat. <br />• Peer mentors provided case management to 12 youth through the Foster Youth <br />Liaison Project assisting them with occupational development. <br />Independent Living Program <br />OCF/Foster Youth Liaison Project 10 <br />