SFSU Guardian Scholars

The Guardian Scholars Program helps current and former foster youth succeed in college. It offers the support, mentorship and resources that build community and empower students to thrive.

Empowering Foster Youth Scholars

Since its launch in the summer of 2005, the Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) has been dedicated to supporting undergraduate and graduate students who are current or former foster youth. Part of SFSU’s Educational Opportunity and Pathway Programs (EOPP), GSP works closely with the School of Social Work to offer personalized case management services. Each year, new CSU-eligible first-time freshmen, transfer students and graduate students are welcomed into the program.

GSP provides priority housing, renewable scholarships and priority registration for both first-time freshmen and transfer/continuing students, along with access to counseling, mental health services and financial aid assistance tailored to foster youth. Students benefit from a strong support network, including personal liaisons with campus departments, peer mentorship, career development opportunities and connections to community resources. Through advocacy, empowerment and a vibrant community, the program fosters academic success, personal growth and a brighter future for former foster youth.

How GSP Supports Success

SFSU Guardian Scholars get access to priority housing, scholarships, academic support, counseling, mentorship, career opportunities, financial aid assistance and much more.

  • Priority access to on-campus housing in a GSP residential theme community (with summer and winter break housing scholarships available)
  • Renewable scholarship opportunities specific to GSP students
  • Priority registration every semester
  • Support from a GSP liaison and personal contacts with campus departments, including Financial Aid, Housing and Residential Services, Student Health Services and more
  • Access to Counseling and Psychological Services appointments
  • Bimonthly meetings with the GSP case manager
  • Mental health services and referrals for both on- and off-campus support
  • A peer mentorship program specific to GSP students
  • Job and internship opportunities with the GSP Career Leadership Pathways Program
  • 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
  • Social support, connections with peers and fun
  • Priority access to on-campus housing
  • Renewable scholarship opportunities specific GSP students
  • Priority registration every semester
  • Support from a GSP liaison and personal contacts with campus departments, including Financial Aid, Housing and Residential Services, Student Health Services and many more
  • Access to Counseling and Psychological Services appointments
  • Bimonthly meetings with GSP’s case manager
  • Mental health services and referrals for both on- and off-campus support
  • A peer mentorship program specific to GSP students
  • Job and internship opportunities with the GSP Career Leadership Pathways Program
  • 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
  • Weekly updates and emails about scholarships, job opportunities and resources for former foster youth
  • Invitations to monthly events and workshops
  • Social support, connections with peers and fun
SFSU alumna in a blazer smiling

A Guardian Scholars’ Story

The support I got from GSP was crucial. The program offers year-round housing, tutoring services, academic support, priority registration, scholarships and stipends, and food cards, which made surviving and succeeding in college possible. But, for me, the most important thing I got out of the Guardian Scholars Program was a family.
Jessie Peterson (B.A., ’14)
Former foster youth; today an appellate, criminal defense attorney at the Office of the State Public Defender

Contact GSP

Guardian Scholars Program

SFSU’s Guardian Scholars Program creates a vibrant and welcoming community with personalized services that help students who have been in the foster care system achieve academic success, connect to stable housing resources and prepare for meaningful career pathways.

Next Steps for Getting Involved