OnRamp: Foster Youth | Jessup University

A Pathway to Success for Former Foster Youth

OnRamp is a dedicated effort that promotes the success of its students through access, vision, support, and skills. The collaborative approach across the university’s offices ensures each student receives a Christ-centered higher education that is affordable and achievable. Finally, it is a program with the primary goal of building up our students’ faith, as well as their academic and professional success.

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Access: Generous scholarships to access education
Support: Consistent academic support and mentorship opportunities
Skills: Executive functioning skills training
Vision: Inspiring and motivating students to realize their potential

Four Pillars of the OnRamp Program

Through a partnership with The Alliance, the OnRamp program is built upon these four pillars to ensure your success as a Jessup student. The Alliance is a local nonprofit serving at-risk youth and families in our area since 2016 (learn more at www.defendingthecause.org). The university will provide a dedicated team of OnRamp program staff with additional resources from The Alliance. From start to finish they will serve and support you through the admissions, enrollment, and financial aid process. Alongside your student success coach, the OnRamp program staff will provide a variety of workshops and connection opportunities during your tenure as a student to ensure you are successful spiritually, academically, and socially.

OnRamp program students will receive significant scholarship support from the university and donor-funded scholarships specifically designated for OnRamp program students. The heart of Jessup is to provide enough funding that each OnRamp program student would graduate with little to no Direct Student Loan debt. Through our four pillars of success, we strive for each student to succeed academically and enter their chosen vocation, tethered to God’s call on their lives, not debt.

Stephanie Maus

Director, Academic Achievement Center and Pathways Programs |
OnRamp Program Coordinator
smaus@jessup.edu
(916) 577-2298

How can I become an OnRamp program student?

The process of becoming part of the OnRamp Program begins with you! Please fill out the Student Interest Form so we can get to know you and introduce you to our dedicated admissions and financial aid staff members who will help you along in the application process. Student Interest Forms are available from November 1st-February 15th for students enrolling in the following fall semester. Basic requirements for the OnRamp program include:

Have been in the foster care system between the ages of 10-18
Currently are 17-24 years old
Be seeking an undergraduate degree and have a high school or transfer GPA of 2.5 or higher
Submit admissions and financial aid applications and documentation
Complete the Student Interest Form and attend an OnRamp interview
Sign the OnRamp Program Agreement acknowledging all program requirements (including attending workshops, being matched with a mentor, connecting regularly with program coordinators and your Student Success Coach)

Become a Warrior in Seven Steps

Our admissions team is here for you every step of the way. When you apply to Jessup, you’ll be assigned an admissions counselor who will help you:

Step 1: Complete an application at jessup.edu/apply.
Step 2: Upload your unofficial transcripts from high school or a GED certificate.
Step 3: Fill out the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov and add our school code: 001281.
Step 4: Receive an acceptance decision and confirm your Jessup enrollment.
Step 5: Complete the OnRamp Interest Application and Interview with the OnRamp Program/Scholarship Committee..
Step 6: Be notified about program acceptance and scholarship funds.
Step 7: Take the final steps: meet with success coach, register for classes, and attend orientation.

How do I pay for college?

There are a variety of ways to pay for college. We encourage each of our students to pursue as much free funding as possible before entertaining the idea of student loan debt. Jessup’s average graduate loan debt is 33% less than the national average. In fact, those entering the OnRamp program will receive significant scholarship support from the university and donor-funded scholarship aid specifically designated for OnRamp program students.

The heart of Jessup is to provide enough funding so each OnRamp program student would graduate with little to no Direct Student Loan debt. This may not be possible for all students, however, we will make every effort for you to have significant awards that make a four-year university possible.

Funding Menu

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

Students with a ZERO EFC (Expected Family Contribution) from their FAFSA can receive a maximum of $6,495 (as of Academic Year 21-22) annually.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT

Students with a ZERO EFC (Expected Family Contribution) from their FAFSA can receive a max of $500 (as of Academic Year 21-22) annually.

FEDERAL WORK STUDY

Students who demonstrate a financial need can qualify for on-campus work that will assist in paying any college costs associated with their education.

CAL GRANT

This grant is awarded to qualifying students who are residents of California. This award must be applied for before March 2 along with a GPA Verification form. This award can range from $8,000 to $11,000 annually.

CHAFEE GRANT

This state grant is awarded to qualifying students who were in the foster care system from the ages of 16-18 and currently under the age of 23. This award is $5,000 annually until you reach the age of 26 (in some cases).

JESSUP GRANT AND OTHER INSTITUTIONAL AWARDS

Jessup has a variety of awards that will help meet the gap of your tuition costs and scholarships. Jessup leadership has made a decision to maximize these awards for each student in the OnRamp program. We want to ensure that every student has access to a private university education. Cumulative awards up to $20,000 annually.

ONRAMP PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP

We have a community of support that believes in you. Because of this we have a number of donors who have and continue to give to this scholarship so you can receive a Christ-centered education and experience success academically and professionally. Cumulative awards up to $15,000 annually.