Application Links
The Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) is for CSUB students who are current or former foster youth, as well as youth who experienced displacement and homelessness during adolescence. As a supplemental program, it has its own independent application (separate from the CSUB undergraduate admission application and EOP application). Checking "Yes" on the foster youth or homeless youth question of the EOP application does not automatically qualify you for Guardian Scholars.
Printable Application
To submit a complete paper application, complete and submit the three parts detailed below:
Part 1: Background Information. You only need to fill out, print, and submit the Guardian Scholars Program Application page of the pdf. The first page is for your reference, detailing the services we provide, and the last page is a checklist that will help guide you through the application process. This includes our contact information and mailing address.
Part 2: Autobiographical Essay. A typed, 1-2 page, double-spaced essay--please include the following: an introduction of yourself, including your family/living situation, special interests, group memberships, honors and awards; a brief description of the obstacles you overcame in your pursuit of an education; your educational goals at CSU Bakersfield; and a brief description of your future career goals.
Part 3: Documentation. Verification of foster placement from your social worker, a copy of your Ward of the Court documentation, a letter of ILP eligibility from an ILP Coordinator, or court documents. For homeless or unaccompanied minor students, we can also accept a verification letter from a Federal TRIO program Director, head counselor, school homeless student liaison, homeless shelter or service provider, or principal. We can make copies and give you back your originals. Scanned or photographed documents are fine, in most cases. We can accept other verifications...don't be afraid to ask!
Online Application
The completely online application can be completed on a computer or mobile phone. You will also need to submit the Autobiographical Essay (Part 2 above) as a file upload or email attachment as well as the Documentation (Part 3 above), also as a file upload or email attachment. We suggest preparing these two supporting documents before beginning the online application so you don't lose your work. You can scan the documents on your phone and upload them directly into the online application. Alternatively, you can fill out the online application, submit it, and then send in your supporting documents (Part 2 and Part 3 above) at a later date.
All applications are incomplete until we receive all three parts, the Background Information (paper, fax, email, or online submission), the Autobiographical Essay, and the supporting Documentation.