To be eligible for the Guardian Scholars Program, you must meet these eligibility requirements. If you have any questions about eligibility or think you may be eligible to be a part of the program, please reach out to the Program Coordinator. We look forward to having you join our program!
- Must be a UC Merced Student or have submitted a SIR to UC Merced
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Must identify with at least one of the following:
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Foster youth - someone who has been in foster care, no matter the length of time or age at the time of care.
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Emancipated Minor (arranged formally and informally) -someone who is a minor (under age 18 in CA) and is no longer under parental control and/or is financially independent.
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Homeless (or at risk of being homeless) - someone who is living in a shelter, on the street, or “couch hopping”.
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Living with Kin (arranged formally or informally) - someone whose care is provided by relatives, extended family member(s), friends, loved ones, etc. due to any number of reasons.
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Dependent or ward of the court - someone who has received protection from the court and may have had a legal guardian appointed either by the court or by parental consent.
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Orphaned-someone whose parents or legal guardians are deceased, unknown, or absent.
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* If you feel you may qualify but don't meet any of the criteria above email guardianscholars@ucmerced.edu