*If you are interested in becoming a guardian scholar, please make sure to complete the Application and submit the required documentation below.
Step 1: Application
Step 2: Documentation
As part of the qualification and acceptance into the Guardian Scholars Program, the following documentation is required. Then submit all of your paperwork to lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu.
Personal Statement (with Student ID #)
- Include your full name and student ID at the header of the page.
- Two pages in length.
- 12pt font and double spaced text.
- 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.
Letter of Recommendation
- Should state how the student would benefit from the program.
- This letter can come from a social worker, teacher, coach, friend, family member, referral from the dean of students, etc.
Foster Care Verification
- Chafee Grant Eligibility Form.
- Letter from your county welfare agency, former social worker, teacher, case manager, school counselor, foster youth liaison, probation officer, or ILP worker that can verify foster care status.
Homeless Scholar Verification
- Verification of your status as a homeless scholar receiving services under the McKinney-Vento Act would constitute appropriate documentation.
Document Naming & Submission
Student First and Last Name_Document type
Ex. JohnDoe_Personal Statement
Submit Documentation
Email to lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu
