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Foster Youth Summit

PERSEVERANCE & RESILIENCE

A Special Event

The Guardian Scholars Program has proudly hosted its first Foster Youth Summit, an event where incoming & prospective scholars from around the Central Valley come and learn more about the University of California-Merced and also about the Guardian Scholars Program. Our mission is to reach out to nearby high schools & community colleges to introduce them to our university & program.

Team Effort

In order to coordinate such a large event, the entirety of the Guardian Scholars Program student staff and professional staff came in and worked together. Professional staff from the Bright Success Center also contributed to the effort of coordinating such an impressive event.

Dr. John Gaines

Dr. John "Push" Gaines is a former at-risk foster youth turned PhD, author, and a motivational speaker. He helps students, educators, and leaders to find their strength within the struggles of life and to find the courage to keep moving forward.

Growing up in an environment where he was exposed to drugs, violence, and instability, John Gaines has beat the odds through faith, mentorship, and education. He is the founder of PUSH, which is an acronym for "Persevere Until Something Happens", and it serves as a nonprofit which aims to help youth rise above their unfortunate circumstances.

Attendance

Schools from the city of Merced and around the Central Valley, such as Fresno City College, came to attend the event.

Not to mention important professionals from the University of California-Merced, who participated for the benefit of our student population.

Contributors

We are honored to have Dr. John Gaines, a former at-risk youth student, now turned Phd, come and present a motivational speech to our guests. We would also like to thank the office of Financial Aid, Admissions, & Housing for their contributions to the event.

We here at the Guardian Scholars Program, are grateful for the contributions.

Thank you

Takeaway

For a first time event, the Guardian Scholars Program is proud of the accomplishment of hosting the Foster Youth Summit. We wish to continue this tradition as the years continue, to support our scholars, community, & the pursuit of higher education within those who need it most of all.

FOSTER YOUTH SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS