Program Highlights

Many students struggle to transition from high school to college, but that challenge is intensified for students coming out of the foster care system. At UC Merced, the Guardian Scholars program provides resources for these students.

FM89's Kathleen Schock spoke with former Program Coordinator Edith Ramirez, Michael Grey, and Alyssa Garcia.

Listen to the full interview on Valley Public Radio.

Motivational speaker, Dr. John Gaines came to UC Merced to give a speech about resilience, community, & perseverance. The Guardian Scholars Program was in collaboration with the Bright Success Center & other departments of the university to host this event. Students, teachers, & educators from Merced and across the San Joaquin Valley came to participate and explore UC Merced's resources & the Guardian Scholars Program.

Hosted September 26, 2026

Foster Youth Awareness Month is a tradition of the Guardian Scholars Program where students can socialize and learn more about foster youth, challenges associated with being foster youth & how to overcome those challenges. 

Foster Youth Awareness Month is held on the month of May and is an opportunity for scholars to build community and resilience during their academic journey here at UC Merced.

In the 2025 Spring Break period, the Guardian Scholars Program along with the Bobcat Underground Scholars Program flew to the U.S. state of Hawaii to engage in projects & learn about Hawaii's history. 

Scholars went to tour the University of Hawaii, Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation & more. 

Donation funds made this trip possible & we greatly appreciate the contributions that allowed our program to accomplish this trip.

The Guardian Scholars Program in collaboration with other organizations of the UC, such as Basic Needs, Hopsitality Services, and the Community Engagement Center have helped contribute to combat and raise awareness on hunger & homelessness in our local community. 

This serves as an opportunity for our scholars to contribute to their community and provide service to those in need. 

The Fall Festival is an annual GSP tradition where scholars can participate in a plethera of games, crafts, & activities. Scholars are encouraged to work together in these activities and foster community within the program. Students outside the program are also welcome to participate and learn more about our program, who we serve, & what we do to contribute to the foster youth & homeless youth community.

Most of our events are done with Catering Services and students are provided food and beverages at no cost. These dinners are usually provided for social events from the Guardian Scholars Program.

The Guardian Scholars Program in collaboration with the Bright Succes Center hosts an annual open house where every student is welcomed and encouraged to learn about our services, benefits, & programs located within the BSC. 

The Guardian Scholars Program in collaboration with the rest of the Bright Success Center participate in welcoming new students to UC Merced. Our mission as a program is to welcome new and upcoming scholars and remind them that we are there since the first day they step foot here on UC Merced.

We are here to support your academic journey!