How Students Apply to GSP?
Step 1: Submit the On-line Application
Available to currently enrolled students or those who have submitted an SIR.
Step 2: Submit Required Documentation
Students are expected to provide the following items:
- Personal Statement
- Including full name and UCM student ID in statement and answer the following prompt:
- Please submit a personal statement outlining your reasons for applying to the Guardian Scholars Program at UC Merced, reflecting on how your lived experiences have shaped your perspective on higher education. Include a brief introduction, describe your family and living situation, highlight relevant interests and extracurricular activities, and discuss the obstacles you've overcome, your academic goals at UC Merced, and your future career aspirations.
- Include your full name and student ID at the header of the page.
- Two pages in length.
- 12pt font and double spaced text.
- Please submit a personal statement outlining your reasons for applying to the Guardian Scholars Program at UC Merced, reflecting on how your lived experiences have shaped your perspective on higher education. Include a brief introduction, describe your family and living situation, highlight relevant interests and extracurricular activities, and discuss the obstacles you've overcome, your academic goals at UC Merced, and your future career aspirations.
- Including full name and UCM student ID in statement and answer the following prompt:
- Letter of Recommendation
- From someone who can speak to the student's background and how they would benefit from GSP. This may include:
- Social Worker/School Counselor/ School Psychologist/ School Administrator/Probation Officer
- Teacher/Coach/Friend/Family member
- NextUp/EOPS Directors or Program Coordinators
- DOS Administrator/ Case Manager
- University Campus Partner Email Referral
- From someone who can speak to the student's background and how they would benefit from GSP. This may include:
- Verification of Status
- Acceptable forms of documentation include:
- AB-12 funding verification
- Chafee Grant eligibility
- ILSP or emergency shelter verification
- Social service or court documents
- McKinney-Vento verification
- A letter confirming status from a county agency, social worker, school staff, foster youth liaison, or ILP worker, Guardian/Adoptive Parent
- Acceptable forms of documentation include:
- Document Naming & Submission
- Student First and Last Name_Document type (Ex. JohnDoe_Personal Statement)
- Submit Documentation
- Email to lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu
Step 3: Schedule Intake Meeting with Program Coordinator
Students will schedule an intake meeting with the Guardian Scholars Program Coordinator here. This meeting provides an opportunity to review eligibility, discuss available services and supports, and address any questions the student may have.
*If you are interested in becoming a guardian scholar, please make sure to complete the Application and submit the required documentation below. Please note to check our Eligibility page by following this link here.
