Guardian Scholars
Services for Former Foster Youth
What is Guardian Scholars?
Guardian Scholars is our former foster youth support services program. Our mission
is to support the college transition, retention and ultimate completion of the educational
goals of former foster youth. With the support of student services networks at Grossmont
College, our program will help you navigate the common challenges of a college transition
with the kindness, empathy and commitment you deserve from us. Our Guardian Scholars
ambassadors and program coordinator will serve as your liaisons for any academic and/or
personal needs you may face while enrolled at our campus. Our many years of experience
serving former foster youth along with our philosophy of self-analysis, empathy and
openness to learn from our students has allowed us to assist numerous foster youth
with their educational journey. We are eager to be of service to you.
Request Services
Eligibility Requirements
- Commitment to believing in your full academic and personal potential and taking charge
of your educational journey
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the school year you
plan to start at Grossmont College and renew your FAFSA every January until you complete
your goal
- Document your former foster youth status with our Financial Aid Office (proof of foster
care placement at any point since you turned age 13 for whatever period of time and
even if you are no longer in foster care today)
- Complete all other documents requested by our Financial Aid Department
- Meet with an academic counselor at least once per semester
- Maintain constant communication with your Guardian Scholars ambassadors and program
coordinator to make us aware of your needs
- Commitment to loving yourself, being kind to yourself and believing in the possibility
of reinventing your life in positive directions with the help of a college education.
Request Services
Our Services
- Consistent commitment from Guardian Scholars ambassadors and program coordinator with
professional knowledge and experience serving the needs of former foster youth
- Assistance with the completion of all college transition related applications and
matriculation steps such as:
a. Completion of your admissions application
b. Guidance for your assessment test and orientation
c. Help with the completion of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
d. Guidance for the completion of a Board of Governors Waiver (BOGW)
e. Chafee application and award assistance
f. Help with the search and completion of numerous Scholarship applications
g. Assistance with the completion of applications of various other student services programs
such as EOPS, DSPS among many others
- Priority registration for foster youth that meet AB194 criteria (current foster youth
or emancipated foster youth who is up to 24 years of age)
- Priority financial aid review and awards (for eligible students that meet priority
review deadlines)
- Connection with academic counselors to help you define your major and educational
objective and for the development on your educational plan
- Personal counseling and referrals to mental health community services
- Potential on-campus employment (College Work-Study) for those who qualify
- Emergency funds (offered on a case by case basis)
- School days access to our snack bar
- Housing referrals
- Invitation to semester resource dinners intended to bring us together as a community
in a relaxed and non-academic fashion
- Bi-monthly Guardian Scholars Newsletter
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Contacts
For more information on our program, please contact:
Diana Barajas
Financial Aid Programs Specialist
Foster Youth Liaison
Guardian Scholars Coordinator
(619) 644-7479
Diana.Barajas@gcccd.edu
Brian Woolsey
EOPS Counselor
Foster Youth Liaisons
CYFS Counselor
(619) 644-7648
Brian.Woolsey@gcccd.edu
Sam Rigby
NextUp Specialist
Foster Youth Liaisons
(619) 644-3932
Sam.Rigby@gcccd.edu