Student’s bravery started a movement to support former foster youth – Orange County Register

By Sylvia A. Alva, contributing writer

It started in a moment of crisis for a student, challenging the status quo and stretching the university to work differently, to respond with compassion, and to do the right thing.

In the late 1990s, a freshman turned 18 and aged out of foster care during the summer between high school and college. She suddenly found herself without housing. Cal State Fullerton dorms were not staffed year-round and her hopes of attending college seemed to end before they could begin.

The student reached out for help and with the approval of then-President Milton Gordon, staff were given the greenlight to challenge “how they always did things.” They were empowered to provide housing solutions that broke the mold of typical dorm life. A partnership with Orangewood Foundation took root, and through both private support and innovative thinking, the student could move into the dorms before the semester started.

The bravery of just one student courageous enough to ask for help, started a movement.

It soon became clear this was not an isolated experience. While former foster youth often met the rigorous qualifications to attend Cal State Fullerton, circumstances beyond their control could many times derail their academic journey.

Cal State Fullerton responded by creating the Guardian Scholars Program. This work continues today and actively promotes social mobility by empowering students to disrupt cycles of poverty and trauma, and it is now being done all over the United States, thanks to the Titan community and partners like Orangewood Foundation.

Our Guardian Scholars Program was the first of its kind 25 years ago and led to the creation of 90 additional student support programs for former foster youth at universities and colleges throughout the country, including all 23 CSUs.

According to the National Foster Youth Initiative, only 3% to 4% of former foster youth obtain a four-year college degree because it is uncommon for students to have the financial resources, mentorship, support, stability and guidance they need to complete postsecondary education.

The Guardian Scholars Program breaks these barriers by providing a nurturing support system with wraparound services and a community that enhances belonging and success for our students. Additionally, substantial tuition and housing support are offered through the program.

Founded in 1998 with three students, 251 Guardian Scholars have since graduated. Notably, this year marks our largest cohort with 27 current students expected to graduate in May. Numerous Guardian Scholar alumni advanced on to earn master’s degrees in fields such as social work, counseling, education and international business.

The program recently expanded its services to graduate students and nine are participating. This number is likely to grow as word spreads and more students decide to pursue graduate degrees.

On Jan. 30, I have the privilege of speaking about the legacy and impact of this program to the California State University Board of Trustees. Longtime Guardian Scholars supporter and partner Chris Simonsen, CEO of Orangewood Foundation, and alumna Becky Wells, a foster youth advocate, will join me. Our Guardian Scholars Program will be profiled as a compelling example of inclusive partnerships and demonstrates the impact private support makes to our students.

As president of Cal State Fullerton, it is an honor to amplify these stories and express my gratitude to students, leaders and partners whose bravery and compassion challenged the status quo. They conducted their work through an equity lens and built a supportive community that gives students the foundation to excel.

This is what makes us a Titan family.

Learn more and consider supporting our groundbreaking Guardian Scholars Program.

Sylvia A. Alva began leading Cal State Fullerton as president in August 2023.