Support for students who has experience in the foster care system
The SFSU Guardian Scholars Program empowers current and former students who have experience in the foster care system pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. We offer a supportive community and tailored services to help students succeed academically, find stable housing and build fulfilling career paths.
Values:
- Value yourself
- Value effort: Try your best
- Value everyone’s strengths and stories
- Value our community
Guardian scholars thrive and shine
From Foster Care to On the Air: Bonta Hill, Warriors Pre/Postgame host and SFSU Guardian Scholar Alum.
Eligibility
If you are a current or incoming SFSU student and have been placed as a dependent of the court or ward of the court at any time since birth, you may be eligible to receive services and support through the SFSU Guardian Scholars Program.
To qualify for the program, please submit the following when applying:
- Proof that you have emancipated from the foster care system or are eligible under AB12 (California’s Extended Foster Care Program, which supports students who has experience in the foster care system beyond age 18)
- Ward of court documentation showing you qualify as an “Independent Student” according to federal financial aid guidelines
Guardian Scholars Services
Guardian Scholars students benefit from priority registration every semester and tailored case management services including connection to free tutoring, referrals to on-campus educational programs and resources, advocacy, and partnership with academic advisors to support student success. Eligible EOP students have access to all academic resources through the Educational Opportunity and Pathway Programs.
Guardian Scholars students receive priority access to on-campus housing year-round, including winter and summer breaks. Our case managers also connect students with off-campus housing options and basic needs resources.
We support Guardian Scholars students’ future through programming to help build leadership skills and explore meaningful career paths that match their interests and goals. Students have opportunities to attend conferences, attend career panels and join the Guardian Scholars student leadership team.
Students meet with their dedicated case manager regularly. Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, case managers focus on student empowerment and overall well-being. This coordinated support helps students stay on track and feel connected throughout their academic journey. To help students navigate campus life case managers also collaborate with key departments, including:
- Financial Aid
- Housing
- Basic Needs
- Student Health Services
- Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
The Guardian Scholars Program helps you stay connected and supported through monthly social events designed for fun, friendship and community. You’ll also have the chance to join workshops that build confidence, strengthen academic and career skills, and support personal growth.
Students meet with their dedicated case manager twice a month for personalized support. Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, case managers focus on student empowerment and overall well-being. To help students navigate campus life, Guardian Scholars case managers also collaborate with key departments, including:
- Financial Aid
- Housing
- Basic Needs
- Student Health Services
- Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
This coordinated support helps students stay on track and feel connected throughout their academic journey.
The Guardian Scholars Program helps you stay connected and supported through monthly social events designed for fun, friendship and community. You’ll also have the chance to join workshops that build confidence, strengthen academic and career skills, and support personal growth.
Join the SFSU Guardian Scholars Program
Students with experience in the foster care system are encouraged to apply! We support incoming, transfer and continuing undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at SFSU. All ages welcome.
Guardian Scholar Spotlight
GSP has helped me learn that I have the power to do so much more with my life than I thought when I first started.
Guardian Scholars in the News
All NewsContact Us!
Xochitl Sanchez
GSP Director/Co-Founder
Ella Jane Bastone
Program Coordinator
Celina Jazmin Gonzalez
Case Management Specialist
Julia Jauregui
Case Management Specialist
Ariana Onga
Case Management Specialist
Nadiyah Shereff
Administrative Support Coordinator
Victoria Maria Ortiz
Administrative Support Coordinator