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    Headwind Scholars Application 2027

    Vanguard Headwind Scholarship Application

    The Glenn S. Kraiss Scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of Mr. Glenn Kraiss, remembered as a person of Godly character and generosity. His generosity has inspired others to invest in the future of young people, particularly those in need of additional resources due to family circumstances. In 2025, Vanguard rebranded this initiative to Headwind with the vision of establishing an on-campus support office that provides comprehensive support for scholarship recipients. This expansion is made possible through the generosity of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF), who share a vision to provide higher education opportunities to emancipated youth at Vanguard. 

    The Headwind Scholars program is a comprehensive student support program established to aid qualified students enrolled full-time at Vanguard University. Special consideration is given to students with a significant need due to having been in foster care. In addition to an academic scholarship, Headwind Scholars receive direct support from staff and faculty to help them thrive and succeed in their academic, personal, spiritual, and career goals.

    Program Criteria: 

    The Headwind Scholars program is a selective scholarship program with a limited number of openings per academic year. It is anticipated that each academic year, more applications will be received than can be accepted into the program. 

    The Headwind Scholarship Committee will consider all eligible applicants in accordance with the following criteria for initial acceptance and continued enrollment in the program.

    Eligibility Requirements: 

    1. Meet all requirements for admission to Vanguard University, demonstrating a minimum core unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher for 10th and 11th grade.
    2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 2nd deadline.
    3. Submit a 500-word personal essay responding to this  prompt: Reflect on your journey through foster care and share where you are in your life today. How has this experience shaped your values, perspective, and the person you’ve become? In what ways do you feel prepared for college, and what support do you believe will help you succeed in this next chapter?
    4. Request a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Your teacher must email the document to admissions@vanguard.edu. If you are homeschooled, a letter from a youth leader or pastor will meet this requirement.
    5. Complete an in-person or virtual interview with Headwind Scholars program staff.

    Preference is given to applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria to remain true to the purpose and mission of the Headwind Scholars Program and the founding donors:

    • Students with a background in the US foster care system.
    • Students whose backgrounds include alternative out-of-home placements such as Safe Families or kinship placements.
    • Students who have been legally adopted.

    Applicants Will Receive Notification of Acceptance by April 1st. 
    Birthdate
    Birthdate
    Mailing Address
    Mailing Address
    Is there an adult supporting you in your college application and decision process?
    At any point in your life, have you been in foster care?
    At any point in your life, have you been in kinship care?
    At any point in your life, have you been in a ward of the court?
    At any point in your life, have you lived in a group home?
    Have you been legally adopted?
    Upon graduating or turning 18, will you have access to stable housing?
    Would you like to receive more information about Disability Services and academic accommodations/support?
    Do you plan to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)?
    I authorize the Office of Financial Aid to share my financial package information with the Headwind Scholarship Committee.
    Would you like to receive more information about visiting Vanguard's campus?