Guardian Scholars

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.

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 Co-coordinator
(619) 644-7479
Diana.Barajas@gcccd.edu

Brian Woolsey
EOPS Counselor
Foster Youth Liaisons
NextUp Counselor / Coordinator 
(619) 644-7648
Brian.Woolsey@gcccd.edu

Sam Rigby
NextUp Program Specialist 
Foster Youth Liaisons
(619) 644-3932
Sam.Rigby@gcccd.edu