Why We're Here

Across the nation, approximately 400,000 children are temporarily placed in foster care because their families are unable to care for them.  Over 60,000 live in California.  Though 70% of foster youth express an interest in college, only 50% graduate from high school, 10% enroll in college, and only 2% graduate from college.

Youth formerly in foster care face many challenges that impede their opportunities for higher education.  For foster youth who make it to post secondary education, the challenges are often insurmountable without the intervention of caring campus professionals who serve as coaches and mentors. 

Mission

Guardian Scholars is a comprehensive program committed to providing services and support for former foster youth to maximize educational opportunities.  Professional staff and peer advisors, in partnership with a variety of on-campus units and external agencies, work to best meet their academic and personal needs.