Guardian Scholars Program
About Guardian Scholars
The Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) at CSUB is dedicated to supporting current and former foster youth students throughout their college journey. The program provides tailored resources to help increase their graduation rates and ensure their academic success.
The program also goes beyond just providing services — it fosters a sense of belonging, creating a community where students are not only supported, but also valued as part of a family.
Benefits and Services
- Academic counseling
- Priority registration
- Priority on-campus housing
- On-campus housing application fee deferment
- Mental health/wellness support and referrals
- Student assistant opportunities and peer mentorship
- Orientation fee waiver
- Scholarship opportunities
- Emergency financial support and financial literacy education
- Referrals to other campus departments and community programs
- Sense of belonging through community building activities, including monthly socials, workshops, snacks, food pantry, and more
Eligibility and How to Apply
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Guardian Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Have been admitted or enrolled as an undergraduate student at CSUB
- Be a current or former foster youth
Note: The Guardian Scholars Program serves students who are verified as McKinney-Vento (unsheltered/unhoused/homeless).
Application Process
To participate in the Guardian Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Complete the CSUB Guardian Scholars Program application
- Submit a personal essay
- Submit foster youth verification documentation (FYVD)
How to Remain Eligible for GSP
Students who are selected to join the program will need to adhere to the Guardian Scholars Program agreement. This includes:
- Attend GSP meet and greet
- Submit a signed GSP agreement form
- Participate in GSP activities
