The 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.