Prospective Students
Interested in learning more about the Guardian Scholars Program and how to become a Scholar? Click here.
Announcement
Special Circumstance Applicants
As of 7/25/2023, the Guardian Scholars program will no longer be processing Special Circumstance students who are enrolling at OCC for the first time due to max capacity reached for the Fall 2023 term. Students who are categorized as Special Circumstance are still encouraged to apply later in the year for Spring 2024 term, should slots open at that time.
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.
FALL 2023 Priority Application Deadline
Fall applications submitted after July 28th, 2023 (Friday) will still be processed, but review of your application may take longer as we approach the start of the Fall 2023 term . If you would like an update on your status, please contact the Guardian Scholars office.
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
