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Student Transition and Academic Retention Team (START)

START is a Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI)  support program designed to increase access, retention, and graduation rates for current or former foster youth at DVC. Our goal is to provide a warm and welcoming environment, create a support network, and empower foster youth students to make progress towards self-sufficiency, professional success, and community leadership.

How can START help you?

  • Assistance with enrollment (application, orientation, assessment, and registration)
  • Setting up an appointment with an academic counselor to obtain an educational plan
  • Processing eligibility for priority registration
  • Streamlined process for fixing errors with residency status
  • Expedited financial aid processing (FAFSA, BOG, CHAFEE, Missing Information Checklist, etc.)
  • Access to John Burton Foundation's book fund (while supplies last)
  • Assistance with scholarship applications and provide letters of recommendation
  • Assistance with Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) application
  • Direct referrals to other support programs on campus (DSS, Tutoring, Career, Transfer, etc.)
  • Referrals to off-campus resources (housing, child care, transportation, food banks, etc.)
  • Monthly social gatherings, workshops, and celebrations
  • On-campus employment and leadership opportunities
  • Regular check-ins with START program staff

How to apply for the START program 

To apply for the START program, students must complete the following:

  1. Complete START program Application Form
  2. Schedule an in-take appointment with START program coordinator
  3. Provide verification that you are/were in court ordered out-of-home care placement for at least one day between the ages of 13-18

Contact START Foster Youth

Program Coordinator: Mercedes Lezama 
Telephone: 925-969-2203 
Email: mlezama@dvc.edu 
Office location: SSC 127, Pleasant Hill campus map 
Drop-in hours: Mondays: 1 - 4 pm
Thursdays: 10 am - 1 pm
Financial Aid Coordinator: Malia Valencia
Telephone: 925-969-2211
Email: mvalencia@dvc.edu
Office location: SSC 127, Pleasant Hill campus map 
Drop-in hours: Tuesdays: 10 am - 1 pm
Wednesdays: 2 - 5 pm
Counselor: Nikki London
Telephone: 925-969-2218 
Email: nlondon@dvc.edu 
Office location: SSC 127, Pleasant Hill campus map 
Drop-in and appointment hours: Mondays: 9 am - 3 pm
Tuesdays: 9 am - 4 pm