Guardian Scholars

What is the Guardian Scholars Program?

The Pierce College Guardian Scholars Program is designed as a one-stop center to support current and former foster youths achieve their educational goals to either complete a Certificate, Associates Degree, or Transfer to a university.  The Guardian Scholars Program provides the following services:

• Meet with a designated Guardian Scholars staff in the Financial Aid Office
• Assist with the college admissions application
• Matriculation process:  Assessment, Orientation, and Counseling
• Meet with a designated Guardian Scholars Counselor to develop your educational plan
  • To schedule a counseling appointment with the Guardian Scholars Program Counselor, go to https://laccd.craniumcafe.com/group/guardian-scholars--lapc/scheduler 
• Assistance with the Financial Aid and Chafee applications
• Determine eligibility for EOP&S Program
• Referral to other support services such as Special Services, Tutoring, Bookstore, Transfer Center, Basic Needs, etc.
• Participate in our life skills workshops:  Transfer process, Budgeting/Money Management, Health, Employment Readiness, etc.

The following are benefits for being active in the Guardian Scholars Program:

• Connect with John Burton Foundation to assist foster youths with the following resources:
• Book loaner program
• books and supplies
• Laptop
• Critical needs fund
• Access to the Food Pantry
• Purchase cap and gown
• University tours

Where are we located: Financial Aid Office, Student Services Building, 2nd floor

How to contact us: Email at guardianscholars@piercecollege.edu

Resources

• California Ombudsman for Foster Care ensures that the voice of foster children and youth is heard and act on their behalf. Help Line 1 (877) 846-1602.
• Independent Living Program: This site is for current or former foster youth/probation youth which provides important information and resources regarding ILP/Transitional Coordinators, housing, education, living skills, employment, legal assistance and much more.
• The Alliance for Children's Rights
• iFoster: Life changing resources for children and youth
• California College Pathways: Helping California's foster youth access higher education and reach their educational goals
• John Burton Foundation

To learn more about the links and information provided by this web site, please to go our web page "Website Links". To learn more about documents provided by this website and document ADA-compliance, please go to our web page "Addressing Document Compliance".