Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) Services Include:
Academic counseling and educational planning (CSEP)
Priority registration
Financial aid support, including Chafee Grant guidance
Emergency funds, book assistance, and transportation support
Transfer and career exploration services
Independent Living Program (ILP) workshops
Basic needs resources
Peer engagement and mentorship opportunities
Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success – Independent Living Program (YESS–ILP)
YESS–ILP is a collaborative effort between Santa Ana College and the Orange County Social Services Agency that focuses on life skills education and transitional support for foster youth. YESS–ILP helps youth gain the knowledge and confidence to live independently and succeed in college and beyond.
Santa Ana College is proud to be a campus partner in this statewide initiative. Learn more about the YESS program from the Foundation for California Community Colleges.
YESS–ILP Workshop Topics:
Budgeting and financial literacy
Daily Life Skills
Employment Preperation
Education
Housing readiness and independent living
Job readiness and employment preparation
Health and wellness education
Guardian Scholars Program Eligibility
To join the Guardian Scholars Program at Santa Ana College, students must meet all of the following criteria:
Be a current or former foster youth (from California or out-of-state)
Have been in foster care for at least one day on or after your 13th birthday
Be able to provide proof of foster care status (e.g., Ward of the Court or Dependency Letter)
📌 Need Help Verifying Foster Care Status?
Students may contact the State of California Foster Care Ombudsman’s Office for assistance:
Phone: 1-877-846-1602 or Online Request Form: https://fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov/verification-request-form/
📝 Guardian Scholars Program Application
If you believe you're eligible, we encourage you to complete our online application:
Click here to Apply👉 Guardian Scholars Online Application
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2025
