Across the nation, approximately 500,000 children are temporarily placed in foster care because their families are unable to care for them.  100,000 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.  UC Davis is committed to serving the needs of former foster youth by providing support and services through the Guardian Scholars Program.