Eligibility
To be eligible for the Guardian Scholars program, you must be:
- A student who is admitted to CSUMB. To apply to CSUMB: Cal State Apply.
(We encourage all incoming freshmen to apply to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), as most students qualify for both programs.)
- Former or Current Foster Youth: Any child who has been removed from the custody of their parent(s) or guardian(s) by the court. May live with relatives or with foster parents. Foster care can also refer to placement settings such as group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living.
- Unaccompanied Homeless Youth and/or McKinney Vento Students: The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This definition also includes: Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
- Ward of the court: A minor who has a guardian appointed by the court to care for and take responsibility for that person.
- Kinship care and Guardianship care: Kinship refers to the care of children by relatives or, in some cases close family friends.
- Adopted
- Orphan
How to Apply
Current student or incoming student:
Please complete the Guardian Scholars Program Application 2023-2024
If applying for Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 please complete the Guardian Scholars Program Application 2024-2025
Upload the following documents to the application:
- Verification Letter/Document
This letter can be obtained from your County welfare agency, former social worker or by filling out the online Californian Foster Care Verification Request Form.
- Essay: Tell us why you decided to apply to the Guardian Scholars Program at CSUMB?
A minimum of 300 words - Please include 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 CSUMB; and a brief description of your future career goals.
- Recent photo of yourself (No group photo)
Prospective Student
If you are interested in participating in the Guardian Scholars Program and intend to apply to CSUMB please submit this form: Prospective Student Interest Form
After you submit your application/interest form, our EOP Guardian Scholars Coordinator will contact you via email to set up an appointment.
Questions about eligibility or application deadlines? Contact guardianscholars@csumb.edu
CSU Planning Guide for Foster Youth
California State University Educational Planning Guide for Foster Youth
Students who've experienced life in a foster home or group home often need extra support and resources to ensure they succeed in college. Here you'll learn about the many ways your CSU campus can help you thrive from the day you start your academic career until you earn your degree.