Foster Care Awareness Month

The Guardian Scholars Program at Orange Coast College is a comprehensive support program designed to serve students with lived experience in foster care, the juvenile justice system, or similar circumstances. The program is committed to empowering students by providing the tools, resources, and community needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Guardian Scholars operates as a “one-stop shop,” offering personalized and holistic support that addresses both academic goals and day-to-day needs. Through a combination of academic counseling, financial assistance, and community connection, the program helps students fully engage in college life inside and outside the classroom.

Students in the program benefit from services such as academic advising, textbook and financial support, assistance with financial aid and basic needs, and referrals to housing and community resources. In addition, the program fosters a strong sense of belonging through workshops, events, and mentorship opportunities that promote personal growth, career readiness, and successful transfer to four-year universities or entry into the workforce.

Through its comprehensive and student-centered approach, the Guardian Scholars Program strives to remove barriers, build community, and support students in achieving their educational and personal goals.