Guardian Scholars Program
The Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) supports UCSF students who have had prior involvement in foster care. GSP provides individual case management, community events, and variety of resources that support the holistic success of graduate and professional students who identify as former foster youth.
Mission
UCSF Guardian Scholars Program works to create a supportive, caring, and understanding community that empowers graduate and professional students with resources for their academic, professional, and personal success. UCSF GSP understands that every student’s lived experience is different, and every student should feel supported in reaching their goals.
Eligibility
- Identify as a former foster youth or ward of the court*
- Current UCSF student
- Submit Guardian Scholars Registration Form
*We understand that an individual may have had a variety of dependency statuses and placements. Former foster youth are eligible to participate regardless of the length of time they spent in care or their age at entrance into or exit from care. Placements can include, but are not limited to: foster home, group home or other institutional care setting, legal guardianship, kinship care, or transitional living arrangement (for example, THP-M, THPP, THP+FC, or THP+).
All Guardian Scholars students must submit documentation verifying foster youth history or dependency status when completing the program application.
Documents that can be accepted:
- Ward of the Court letter
- Verification letter from a county Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP)
- Self-Declaration Statement
- Chafee Grant eligibility or award letter
If you need assistance obtaining documentation or have another type of documentation that verifies you were in foster care, you may contact [email protected] and staff can support you in obtaining the verification that is accepted.
Services
Student Ambassadors
If you are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador, contact [email protected].
