Prospective Students
Interested in learning more about the Guardian Scholars Program and how to become a Scholar? Click here.
Announcement
FALL 2023 Application Deadline
Fall applications will be accepted up until July 28th, 2023 (Friday).
Contact Us
What is Guardian Scholars
The Guardian Scholars Program at Orange Coast College is a comprehensive campus support program for students with system affiliation (aka lived experience in the Foster Care and/or Juvenile Justice Systems, as well as those who have experienced similar barriers and challenges).
We provide specialized services and support that includes but is not limited to:
- college on-boarding (application, financial aid, registration, etc.)
- financial resources (textbook awards, fee payment, transportation assistance, emergency grants, etc.)
- academic counseling (major exploration, student education plan, transfer, etc.)
- academic advising/individualized goal setting and case management (navigating college, financial literacy/budgeting, housing, employment, etc.)
- community connection and support
Eligibility:
- Resided in out-of-home placement (i.e., foster care and/or juvenile justice system) on or after 13th birthday*
- Age 30 or younger at the start of the academic year in which the student applies
- Enrolled (or planning to enroll) in at least one unit at Orange Coast College
*A special circumstance supplemental application is available to students that were not formally in care or were under age 13
