Last Update: 9:24 AM 10/31/2012
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Enrollment Management Technologies

Guardian Scholars

San Francisco State University's Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) is a comprehensive program of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), in collaboration with the School of Social Work which serves former foster care youth who are pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Launched in the Summer 2005, the GSP is a new program at SF State that is tailored to fit the needs of undergraduate students who were formerly in foster care. The individual case management services offered will enhance EOP's current academic focus. The Guardian Scholars Program partners with on campus departments, and works with off-campus social service groups to ensure a pipeline for CSU eligible youth in foster care. The combined partnership of SF State's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the SF State School of Social Work defines a commitment to student success and empowerment with a goal of graduating Guardian Scholars who are self-supporting, conscious community leaders, role models and successful professionals.

Download the GSP Application and Checklist

Mission

San Francisco State University Guardian Scholars Program's mission and purpose is to create a system of support that will meet the academic, social, emotional, and financial needs of college-bound students who are transitioning out of the foster care system. The program is fully committed to graduating and empowering these youth to become self-supporting community leaders and to become competent professionals in their fields of interest.

Donate to Guardian Scholars

Interested in supporting and sending a donation to the SF State Guardian Scholars Program:
http://www.sfsu.edu/~develop/makeagift.htm
Check made payable to "University Corporation, SF State / Guardian Scholars Program

Guardian Scholars Program Services

• Year-round, guaranteed, on-campus housing in the Guardian Scholars Residential Theme Community at the Towers at Centennial Square Apartments and The Village Apartments at Centennial Square
• Renewable scholarship opportunities specific to Guardian Scholar students
• Priority registration every semester
• EOP Summer Bridge priority and participation for first time frosh
• GSP liaison and personal contacts with campus departments including: Financial Aid, Housing and Residential Services, Student Health Service, AS Early Childhood Education Center, Career Center, Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC), and Student Support Services (TRiO).
• Priority Counseling and Psychological Services appointments
• Bi-monthly meetings with Guardian Scholars Case Manager housed in the EOP office
• Mental health services and referrals for both on and off campus support
• Mentorship program specific to Guardian Scholar students
• Job and internship opportunities
• Support in maintaining a close connection with Independent Living Skills Programs and county social service agencies and community resources
• One-on-one financial aid packaging assistance specific to foster youth
• Social, cultural support and FUN activities
• Friendly and accessible program staff specializing in advocacy and empowerment

Eligibility Requirements

The Guardian Scholars Program is seeking applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Are highly motivated students between the ages of 17 and 23 (or who are legally emancipated, if still a minor)
• Qualify for admission to SF State as a freshman or transfer student
• Qualify for "Independent Student Status" under federal financial aid guidelines
• Are classified as a California resident by the SF State Office of Admission & Records
• Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA by the priority filing date
• Incoming students must have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in coursework

To remain eligible for the program the student must:

• Maintain an overall GPA of 2.50 or higher
• Maintain enrollment in and complete at least 12 units of coursework every semester
• Maintain continuous enrollment at SF State (unless a formal leave of absence is granted)
• Participate in all aspects of the program including attending monthly meetings and special events
• Allow monitoring of university records and academic performance by Guardian Scholars staff
• For all first year students, active participation in Student Support Services (TRiO)
• In collaboration with the SF State School of Social Work, participate in bi-monthly individual case management appointments

GSP Values

• Value yourself!
• Value your community!
• Value responsibility!
• Value your right to succeed!
• Value your future!
• Value your strengths!

For general questions, feel free to email GSP at gsp@sfsu.edu or call at 415.405.0546

Follow @SFStateGSP