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To join the Guardian Scholars Program at Orange Coast College, students may qualify in one of two ways; NextUp or Special Circumstance

New NextUp Students Must Meet the Following Criteria:

  • Be a current or former foster youth
  • Resided in an out-of-home placement on or after 13th birthday
  • Enrolled in at least 9 units at the time of acceptance into the program*
  • No older than 25 years old at the start of the academic year
  • Provide a Ward of the Court Letter or Foster Care Verification Letter

*Students enrolled in fewer than nine units may be accepted into the program if such enrollment is part of an education plan designed to move the student toward subsequent enrollment in at least nine units, or part of a Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) academic accommodation plan (AAP).

Special Circumstance Students Must Meet the Following Criteria:

  • Were incarcerated or on probation but had NO out-of-home placement upon release
  • If you have not been in foster care but have experienced comparable circumstances 
  • Are not eligible for NextUp program OR any other additional student support programs on campus (EOPS/CARE)
    • If you exited the foster care system before the age of 13
    • If you were placed in Guardianship and/or KinGap but never had a foster care placement
  • No older than 29 years old at the start of the academic year
  • Must complete and submit the Special Circumstance Application

Our Special Circumstance application is available on a limited basis. Please contact our office for more information.

 

 

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online Guardian Scholars Application
  2. Provide a copy of your Ward of Court/Dependency Verification Letter
  3. Make an appointment with a Guardian Scholars Specialist to complete a New Student Orientation and Welcome Meeting

To request your dependency letter from the Office of the Ombudsperson of California, Click Here

To request a dependency letter from a state other than California, please contact the social services program from the county where your case resided

 

Program Expectations

  • Participation in all aspects of the program
  • Maintenance of an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Continuous enrollment at Orange Coast College
  • Appropriate conduct and community behavior in accordance with Orange Coast College standards
♦ If you plan to live at The Harbour on-campus apartments, please schedule an appointment with one of our program Specialist before signing a lease. It is crucial we determine if The Harbour is the right fit for you.