GS Eligibility and Application

Guardian Scholars Program

Guardian Scholars is a comprehensive program that supports former (emancipated) foster youth in their efforts to gain a university, community college or trade school education. The Orangewood Children's Foundation is the nonprofit organization that created and oversees the Guardian Scholars Program. The staff of the Cadena/Transfer Center and EOPS work closely with Orangewood to ensure that the needs of the Guardian Scholar is being met. Guardian Scholars is not a scholarship; however, students may qualify for the Children's Trust Fund Program through Orangewood.
For more information, please visit the Orangewood Children's Foundation website.

Guardian Scholars Program can be found at these institutions too:

2 year Institutions:
American Career College, City College of San Francisco, Cuyamaca College, Cypress College, Grossmont College, Heald College, Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana), MiraCosta College, Miramar College, Napa Valley College, Orange Coast College, Palomar College, San Diego City College, Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, & Southwestern College

4 Year Institutions:
Ball State (Indiana), CSU Fullerton, CSU Sacramento, CSU San Marcos, Chapman University, Concordia University, Hope International University, Hunter College (New York), Loyola Marymount University, Mesa State (Colorado), San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, UC Irvine, UCLA, & USC

There are some preliminary steps you will need to take before you apply for Guardian Scholars:

1. Apply to Fullerton College <click here to apply>
2. File for the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) <click here to apply>
NOTE: If you are a current high school student, please ensure that your high school submits the GPA verification - this is crucial for Cal Grant

In addition, we strongly recommend that you apply for EOPS! <click here to learn more>

NOTE: The Guardian Scholars Program at Fullerton College differs slightly than the general program description that you will find on the Orangewood Children's Foundation (OCF) Guardian Scholars link below. At Fullerton College, our program consists of two stages described in the table below.

However, we utilize the OCF application. <Click here to download the application>

Stage One:	Scholar in Training
Stage Description	We understand that college is a challenge for all students, especially during that first year when students are learning how to manage the demands of college and life. Thus, this first stage is designed to assist you through this initial step by providing the following services: 1. An orientation covering all the various student support services and a campus tour, 2. Student success workshops covering financial aid, time management, success strategies in math, and assistance with choosing a major, 3. Monitoring of academic progress by Guardian Scholars program administrators, 4. and free university tours.
To be Eligible	To be considered for the Guardian Scholars Program as a Scholar in Training, students must: 1. Be a former foster youth. 2. Qualify for Independent Student Status under federal financial aid guidelines. 3. Be highly motivated and dedicated to your education. 4. Sign a release of information (see note below). NOTE: Students who seek admission to our program will sign a release form allowing our staff to monitor their academic progress and records. In addition, participants who qualify and receive Orangewood Children's Trust funding will also sign a release allowing our staff to share the student's academic progress and records with Orangewood Children's Foundation.
How to Apply	1. Apply for admissions to Fullerton College: <click here to apply to Fullerton College> 2. Apply for Federal Financial Aid by completing FAFSA: <click here to apply for FAFSA> 3. Complete a Fullerton College Guardian Scholars Program Application which are available in the Cadena/Transfer Center room 1407 and return it to the same office.
Stage Two:	Guardian Scholar
Stage Description	During this stage, eligible students will enjoy the following benefits granted to Guardian Scholars: 1. All student success workshops they enjoyed during stage one. 2. Participation in special events such as the Guardian Scholars Thanksgiving, Holiday Party, and various luncheons and excursions. 3. Regularly scheduled personalized advising with a Guardian Scholars staff member.
To be Eligible	To be considered as a Guardian Scholar, a Scholar in Training must: 1. Earn 12 units of college coursework with a 2.5 GPA, 2. Attend the Guardian Scholars Orientation and success-related seminars,
How to Apply	1. Meet with your Fullerton College Guardian Scholars advisor. 2. Interview with a panel consisting of Fullerton College Guardian Scholars program staff and members of the Orangewood Children's Foundation.

For an application <click here>

To learn more, please contact:
Vincent White, Cadena Coordinator
(714) 992-7587
or email at vwhite@fullcoll.edu

We hope to see you soon!