Our Scholars

Our scholars are a remarkable group of resilient and ambitious students that come from diverse backgrounds. Each year, approximately 40 students enroll in the Guardian Scholars Program, which draws foster youth from counties across California, such as Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Fresno, Monterey, Ventura, San Diego, and Imperial Valley.

More than 90 Guardian Scholars have graduated from Cal State Fullerton since the program’s inception in 1998. Many Guardian Scholars have gone on to receive Master’s degrees in the fields that include social work, counseling, education, and international business.

Community Service

Giving back to our surrounding community is such an important part of a Guardian Scholars Program. Our community service efforts provide students an opportunity to give back in their own ways. The types of community service projects and organizations that our students participate in are in partnership with Together We Rise through the "Sweat Cases" & "Build a Bike" projects. They also serve through the Lestonnac Free Clinic at their annual "Give Back/Give Thanks" community event.

Student Engagement

The Guardian Scholars Program conducts various community outreach efforts at college fairs, and facilitates presentations to offices of education of various counties, school districts, foster care agencies, and non-profit organizations that serve foster youth in order to inform them about the program and its benefits. Students volunteer their time to serve as Student Ambassadors. This gives them the opportunity to represent the program and give back to the community. Our scholars are empowered through the sharing of their stories, their transition to college, and their dreams for the future.

If you are interested in having Guardian Scholars come out to speak to your group or organization please contact us at scholars@fullerton.edu