Guardian Scholars

What we do

The Guardian Scholars program provides support to help former foster youth achieve the following:

College transition
Retention
Complete Educational Goals

How it works

The Guardian Scholars program has a strong network with other campus student services. Togehter we are commited to help you navigate common challenges with the kindness and empathy you deserve.

Coordinator

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Ambassadors

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Person 2

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Ambassadors - Coordinator

Our ambassadors and program coordinator are your liaisons to help you navigate any academic or personal need.

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.

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.

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

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