Guardian Scholars Program

The Guardian Scholars Program supports former foster youth by awarding scholarships up to $5,000 per academic year to eligible UC San Diego undergraduate students.

Special privileges include:

• Orientation to university life
• Access to on-campus housing all year round, including the summer before your first fall term
• Student employment opportunities
• Assistance with financial aid applications
• Life skills counseling
• Career planning
• A recognition event for scholars and program supporters

See the Guardian Scholars Program brochure (PDF).

Eligibility requirements

• Former foster youth
• A full-time undergraduate student (at least 12 units per quarter)
• Considered "independent" under federal financial aid guidelines
• California resident, and United States citizen or permanent resident
• At least a 2.0 GPA in coursework
• Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for financial aid by the priority filing date

The Guardian Scholarship can be received each year as long as you maintain eligibility by:

• Fully participating in all aspects of the program (meetings, events, mentoring, career mapping, academic advising)
• Maintaining an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Staying continuously enrolled at UC San Diego, unless granted a formal leave of absence
• Maintaining full-time enrollment status (at least 12 units per quarter)
• Abiding by all University of California standards for appropriate conduct and community behavior
• Reapplying for the Promises2Kids Guardian Scholars Program each year

How to apply

1. Download your Guardian Scholars application from Promises2Kids in January, and file it online with your responses and other requested documentation by the March 2 deadline.
2. Also complete these related applications:
   • Chaffee Grant Application: File the completed application with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by the March 2 deadline. Read more about the Chaffee Grant for Foster Youth.
   • FAFSA: File by March 2 to demonstrate financial need. Read more about FAFSA, which establishes your financial need.
   • Cal Grant GPA Verification Form: Ask your school to submit a certified GPA verification to CSAC by March 2.
3. Promises2Kids selects and notifies the recipients of Guardian Scholarships.
4. When Promises2Kids notifies UC San Diego of your award, it's added to your financial aid package.

Awards

Promises2Kids awards eligible students up to $5,000 per academic year. If you're a first-time recipient who earns a 2.5 or better GPA as a full-time student during your first quarter, you may be eligible for an increased amount.

Guardian Scholar benefits

The program provides more than scholarship funds — it's designed to help ensure your academic success, to offer support services and experiences that encourage active participation in campus life, and to provide career-development skills for life after graduation. Take advantage of opportunities for year round on-campus housing, including the summer before your first fall term.

Friendly and informal meetings with your Guardian Scholarship mentor focus on problem-solving, life counseling, and encouragement. Workshops covering special topics like financial literacy, wellness, and locating an internship will be offered quarterly.

Contact information

The Guardian Scholarship Program is a collaborative effort among key campus departments and Promises2Kids.

For general program information and questions, contact Edward Abeyta, (858) 534-3402.

For admissions information and questions:

• Incoming freshmen, contact Shirley Balbin-Stacher, (858) 534-0365
• Transfer students, contact Timothy Borch, (858) 822-0348

For financial aid information and questions:

• Incoming freshmen and continuing undergraduates, contact Teresa Stanley, (858) 534-0539
• Transfer students, contact Yvonne Borrego, (858) 534-1669