Guardian Scholars Program

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. Each year, the program will serve 10 new students in each fall class. 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.

OUR 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.

GSP 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:

•  Highly motivated former foster youth!

•  Qualify for admissions to San Francisco State University

•  Qualify for admissions to the Educational Opportunity Program at SFSU

•  Be a former foster youth

•  Apply for financial aid by completing the FASFA on the web

•  Transfer students must have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in all transferable coursework.

•  Qualify for “Independent Student Status” under federal financial aid guidelines

•  Be classified as a California Resident by the SFSU Office of Admission & Records

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!

Xochitl Sanchez-Zarama, Guardian Scholars Program Director (415) 405-0546