The Guardian Scholars Program supports the academic and personal goals of current and former foster youth attending Santa Monica College. Our goal is to support, connect and increase academic awareness and achievement as students embark on their journey within higher education.
Eligibility
A student is eligible for Guardian Scholars if he/she meets the following criteria:
Current of former foster youth
Currently enrolled in at least 9 units
Between the ages of 17-24
Program Services
Academic, Career and Transfer Counseling
Priority Enrollment
Assistance with Financial Aid & CHAFEE Applications
Tutoring
Community-based referrals and resources
Independent Living Program (ILP) Referrals
Meal Assistance
Transportation Assistance
Mental Health Therapy (on-site therapist)
Student Success Workshops
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in the Guardian Scholars Program, you can pick up an application in the EOPS office, Room 104 of the Student Services complex.
For more information or questions, contact:
Debra Locke, Guardian Scholars Coordinator, (310) 434-4449, Locke_Debra@smc.edu
Christina Fuller, Student Services Specialist, (310) 434-4526, Fuller_Christina@smc.edu
New Guardian Scholars Orientation
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Students must complete an intake form (in person at the EOPS office) and attend an intake appointment.
Orientation is mandatory for new Guardian Scholars students. Call us at 310-434-4491 if you have questions.
Events
April 16, 2019
Create Your Vision Board Workshop
April 19, 2019
CSUN Resilient Scholars program visit and campus tour (sign ups deadline: April 12th)
May is Foster
Youth Awareness Month,
a time to recognize our former and current foster youth, foster parents,
caregivers
and all who contribute
to the welfare of our
foster youth.
SMC currently
has about
300 students
who have self-identified
as
having been in foster care,
with many more who have not self-identified.
Please take the time to honor them all, by bringing awareness
to
the needs
as
well as major achievements
of one of our most vulnerable,
yet resilient
student
populations here at Santa Monica College.
| WEDNESDAY, May 1st | "Awareness" – Tabling on the Quad
Please wear blue & purple to show your support for foster youth on campus! |
| TUESDAY, May 7th | "Open House" - Bagels and Coffee 10:00a – 2:00p Student Services Room 104 |
| WEDNESDAY, May 15th | "Foster Youth Awareness Presentation" - by Guardian Scholars Staff & Students
12:45 - 2:00p HSS 105 Learn about the issues current and former foster youth face as well as the services provided on campus and in the community. |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND | "Resource Fair" - Library Walkway
10:30am to 1:30pm |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 29TH | ICE CREAM SOCIAL
- Tabling, music, Info and Ice Cream
11:30a – 1:00p |
Resources
Need help obtaining your proof of dependency? Call the Foster Care help line at 1-877-846-1602.
Newsletter
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
December 2018
November 2018
