Ideally, all children grow up within a warm, loving and supportive family. As we know, not all children are so fortunate. Students in the Guardian Scholars Program have faced especially challenging circumstances with most facing a bleak future following emancipation. On the eve of their 18th birthday, many of these young people encounter a world filled with emotional uncertainty, a lack of physical and financial support, and the prospect of potential homelessness. Fortunately, Cal State Fullerton's Guardian Scholars Program has become a beacon of hope by providing funding and services in the form of housing, financial support and counseling while they pursue a college education.

You can play an integral role in a former foster youth's life. By giving from your heart - whether with time, talent or money- you can make the difference for a Guardian Scholar striving for a brighter future.

There are many ways for you to become a guardian partner: annual gifts, multi-year pledges and one-time funding of an endowment are just some of the ways you can financially assist these students. Click here for ways to make a gift.

In addition, scholar mentoring, student job placement and career assistance opportunities are available.

How Your Gift Can Help:

• A $500 contribution can pay for books for two semesters

• $1,000 supports the ongoing one-on-one counseling provided to each student

• $1,500 Pays for a Guardian Scholar's books and supplies for one academic year

• $2,900 will pay for one students summer school stipend

• $3,000 Provides one student all fees and tuition for an academic year, which includes the summer session

• $6,500 will pay for on-campus room and board for one scholar for two semesters

• An annual gift of $8,000 supports one Guardian Scholar for one year.

• A commitment of $40,000 either outright or over five years will provide one Guardian Scholar with a complete college education

• A one-time gift of $160,000 will create a Guardian Scholar endowment in the donor's name and will provide a scholarship in perpetuity

• In-kind contributions can also benefit the program.