Guardian Scholars Program

Photo: President Gordon with '05 GS GraduatesThe Guardian Scholars is a comprehensive program that supports former foster youth in their efforts to gain a college education. Difficult situations and backgrounds have left some foster care youth with significant hardships in their lives. Many of these young people have overcome these challenges; their academic performance in high school has qualified them to meet Cal State Fullerton admission standards. With the help of the Guardian Scholars program, they can now begin to achieve their dreams.

As wards of the court, these foster care youth emancipate at age 18 and are forced to make a difficult transition to adulthood often without traditional family support. By awarding a full scholarship, the Guardian Scholars program provides the opportunity to change individual lives and make dreams come true.

TThe Guardian Scholars program is a working partnership between the private sector and public agencies designed to achieve significant synergies which allow us to support our students effectively and cost-efficiently. Cal State Fullerton, private foundations, public agencies and private citizens create a powerful team dedicated to assisting deserving foster youth to achieve their dreams of a college education, realize true independence and reach their full potential.

Each fall semester we hope to admit ten to 15 new students into the Guardian Scholars program with an ultimate goal of reaching fifty scholars in the program at one time.
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More Than a Scholarship

Group: Students at partyIn addition to all annual fees, academic tuition, textbook & supplies, the program provides:

  • Orientation to university life

  • Year round on-campus housing

  • On-campus student employment opportunities

  • One-to-one counseling

  • Friendly and informal biweekly meetings with the Program Director, focusing on problem solving, life counseling and encouragement

  • Peer mentoring

  • Faculty mentoring

  • Financial aid application assistance

  • Monthly recognition event for scholars and program supporters

  • Assistance with off-campus jobs in career field

  • Career planning through the Career Mapping Program
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Eligibility Requirements

Photo: studentCal State Fullerton is seeking applicants for the Guardian Scholars Program who:

  • Are highly motivated students between the ages of 17 and 23 (or who are legally emancipated, if still a minor)

  • Qualify for admission to Cal State Fullerton as a freshman or transfer student

  • Qualify for "Independent Student Status" under federal financial aid guidelines

  • Are classified as a California resident by the CSUF Office of Admission & Records

  • Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA by the priority filing date

  • Incoming students must have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in coursework

To remain eligible for the program once the scholarship has been awarded, the recipient must:

  • Maintain an overall 2.5 GPA or higher

  • Maintain enrollment in at least 12 units of course work

  • Maintain continuous enrollment at CSUF (unless a formal leave of absence is granted)

  • Fully participate in all aspects of the program (meetings, events, mentoring, career mapping, etc.)

  • Be receptive to staff monitoring academic performance and university records

  • Abide by all university standards for appropriate conduct and community behavior

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Program Goals

  • photo: scholar grads from class of 2003Ensure academic success

  • Provide support services that encourage active participation in university life

  • Career development skills for post-graduation success

  • Provide experiences to nurture students into active and socially responsible members of the community

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