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Announcement

 

Special Circumstance Applicants

The Special Circumstance application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now closed. Students who apply to the program and are deemed a Special Circumstance student are encouraged to apply for the 2025-2026 academic year in June 2025. 

* Reminder - Students MUST apply to the general EOPS application and fill out the Guardian Scholar section  to be considered for the program.

To determine if you are a Special Circumstance student, please 'click' on the How to Apply tab and review section Eligibility. If you have any questions, please contact our office via phone, text, or email.

Contact Us

(714) 432-6835

guardianscholars@cccd.edu

Watson Hall Rm 433

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:

  1. Resided in out-of-home placement (i.e., foster care and/or juvenile justice system) on or after 13th birthday* 
  2. Age 25 or younger at the start of the academic year in which the student applies 
  3. 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, were under age 13 when they exited care, or students who are between 25-30 years old
Student with a laptop Prospective Students Interested in learning more about the Guardian Scholars Program and how to become a Scholar? Click here.
Group of smiling students Current Scholars Click here to make an appointment for Counseling or with a Specialist.
Students visiting information booths in OCC quad Community Resources and information for community partners, student support networks, and campus faculty and staff can be found here