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Qualifications

To apply for the Guardian Scholars Program, students must be offered admission to UC Merced and have a valid "Student ID."

Students should also meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Reside in foster care or guardianship before their 18th birthday.

  • Receiving AB-12 funding.

  • Be eligible for a Chafee Grant.

  • Be eligible for ILSP services.

NOTE:

If you are not sure you qualify, please contact our office for assistance. Failure to meet these criteria does not necessarily mean an automatic disqualification. Each student's individual situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Documentation

To apply for Guardian Scholars, you must submit the following three documents, either by mail, email, fax, or in person.

1)Personal Statement (with ID #)

Prompt: How has your lived experience(s) shaped your outlook on higher education goals?

Two pages in length

 

2)Letter of Recommendation

Should state how the student would benefit from the program  from a social worker, teacher, coach, friend, family member, etc.

3)Fo ster Care Verification

Ch  affee Grant Eligibility Form and or Letter from anyone that can verify foster care status

 

Personal Statement

Topic: "How has your foster care experience shaped your outlook for your higher education goals"? This should be two pages long and include your full name and Student ID in the top right-hand corner of both pages.

Letter of Recommendation

This letter should address your ability to benefit from joining Guardian Scholars. It can be from anyone of your choosing including a social worker, teacher, coach, pastor, friend, family member, etc.
 

Foster Care Verification

This can be completed two different ways.
 
1. You may submit a completed Chafee Grant Eligibility Form
 
2. You may submit a letter from your Social Worker, Independent Living Skills Program Coordinator, or anyone else who can verify your foster care status. If you are not sure how to contact your county's Independent Living Program, please click on the following link for a List of ILP Coordinators. Your County ILSP Coordinator should also be able to locate your social worker.
 
Email:
Fax:
209-228-2484
 
Mail:
Guardian Scholars Program
c/o University of California, Merced
5200 N. Lake Rd.; KL-222
Merced, CA 95434

Requirements

All Guardian Scholars are expected to complete the following:

  • Attend and participate in the Guardian Scholars Orientation.

  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

  • Complete a Learning Contract if academic progress is not met.

  • Receive mid-term progress reports each semester.

  • Meet with the Program Coordinator twice per semester.

  • Meet with an Academic Advisor twice per semester.

  • Notify the Program Coordinator of any changes in your contact information.

  • Inform the Program Coordinator of any obstacles to your personal well-being or academic success.

  • Attend at least one Guardian Scholars event per semester.

  • Represent Guardian Scholars at official functions when able to do so.

  • Follow all university, residence hall, and community rules and laws.