Guardian Scholars


The Cypress College Guardian Scholars Program is available for all current and former foster youth attending the college to ensure their academic, career, and personal success.


2021 Outstanding Guardian Scholars Graduate

Program Benefits Include:

  • Personal and Academic Counseling
  • Personalized Student Educational Plan
  • Case management
  • Access to on and off campus resources
  • New Student Orientation
  • Access to financial aid, grants, and scholarships
  • Book Service Awards
  • Life skill workshops for academic and personal success

How do I qualify for Guardian Scholars?

  • Be a current or former foster youth
  • Submit a complete application package and include:
    • Cypress Guardian Scholar application
    • Copy of Ward of the Court documentation or a Cypress College Dependency Override form

Resources

California College Pathways

Highly recommended for foster youth by the Cypress College Guardian Scholars Advisory team. This resource helps students prepare for college and connects them with adults who can help provide tips, tools, and resources.

“BuildFutures” Providing the key to Youth Success

Supports and enables homeless youth 18-24 years old to become independent, contributing members of our community while providing them with wrap around services.

Cal Fresh Program

Formerly known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program “SNAP.”
Provides qualified households & individuals with healthy and nutritional food.

California Community College Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI)

Services offered through the California Community College System to serve Emancipated Foster Youth. Look under “Student Support/Student Services.”

California State University, Fullerton’s Guardian Scholars Program

The CSUF Guardian Scholars program is committed to supporting ambitious college-bound emancipated foster youth succeed in higher education.

Chafee Grant for Emancipated Foster Youth

A financial assistance grant set up to support specifically emancipated foster youth that want to attend college.

County of Orange Social Services, including Foster Youth Services

County of Orange Social Services Referrals.

Housing Is Key

Resources for rental assistance and eviction protections.

Independent Living Program through Social Services Agency

Program and services provided to serve Orange County Emancipated Foster Youth.

Los Angeles County Independent Living Home Page

Website for transitioning current or former foster youth.

Los Angeles County Low-cost Health Care Resources

Guide to L. A. County free and low cost health care services.

Orange County 2-1-1 Get Connected/Get Answers

Resource site for services available for foster youth.

Orange County Food Banks

Food banks offering support to Emancipated Foster Youth.

Orange County Public Health Services

List of health clinics in Orange County.

Orange County Social Service Agency

Resource for Orange County social services.

Orangewood Foundation

Orangewood Foundation is services for foster youth.

Recovery Education Institute

Program designed to help promote personal growth and recovery for people who experience psychiatric symptoms.

Renaissance Scholars Program

A university scholarship program available at Cal Poly Pomona for emancipated foster youth.

Riverside County Office of Education

Services offered for Emancipated Foster Youth.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Distributes food throughout Orange County.

Some One Cares

Meals for individuals who are in need.

StandUP For Kids

Referrals for Emancipated Foster Youth up to age 26 for many services in Orange County, including homelessness and hunger issues.

THP Plus

Housing for homeless.

Transportation through Orange County Social Services

Free bus passes for Independent Living Program “ILP” eligible former foster youth (ages 16 – 21).

Western Center on Law & Poverty

Western Center fights for justice and system-wide change to secure housing, healthcare and a strong safety net for low income Californians.

If you would like to know more about the Guardian Scholars Program, please contact Ashley Berry, EOPS Student Services Specialist, at (714) 484-7238 or aberry@cypresscollege.edu.