The Road to the Finish Line: Support for youth in Post Secondary Settings

Mission Statement We are committed to supporting ambitious college-bound students exiting the foster care system by providing a comprehensive program that contributes to the quality and depth of the students university experience.

Program Primary Components Financial support including year round guaranteed housing. 2) Academic support in various forms throughout the semester. 3) Consistent social and emotional support utilizing a non-judgmental approach.

Financial Support All students must complete the annual FAFSA application in order to be eligible for the Guardian Scholars Program. Guardian Scholars receive the maximum amount of financial aid available. The Guardian Scholarship subsidizes the remaining unmet need for each student as determined through the Office of Financial Aid. Guardian Scholars are guaranteed year round housing on campus which includes summer stipend.

Academic Support Weekly meeting with in-coming students – To engage in discussions how students view their learning process, what expectations they have of college life and how they plan to meet the challenges they are faced with throughout the semester as they acculturate to campus life. Mid-semester grade report review – To assess student’s knowledge base of course material and performance ability to pass classes each semester. End of semester grade review – To assess students learning ability of material covered during course instruction. It is also a tool to determine those students who are in good standing and to identify those that are in jeopardy of academic probation. Priority Registration – To provide students the opportunity to register for courses with the graduating seniors of the university.

Social / Emotional Support Drop-In Center On Campus Life Skills Workshops Social Activities (movies, school plays & sports) Orangewood Children’s Foundation Community Support Activities Individualized Counseling Career Mapping Program

Career Leadership Track REQUIREMENTS Section A: Program Core Workshops Introduction to Leadership (1.5 hours) Ethical Decision Making (1.5 hours) Leading and Managing a Diverse Group (1.5 hours) Section B: Track Core Workshops Business Survival Basics (1.5 hours) How To Write the Perfect Resume (1.5 hours) Interview for a Real Job (1.5 hours) Job Search and Networking Strategies (1 hours) Learn the #1 Secret to Job Search Success (1.5 hours) Marketing Your Leadership and Transferable Skills (1.5 hours) Section C: Elective Workshops Any two workshops from the pool of Elective Workshops. Section D: Experiential Component Participants are required to complete a minimum of 5 hours of applied leadership. This can be pretty much any activity that participants are involved outside the classroom or workshop setting. Five hours are required for each track the participant is involved in.

Retention Analysis and Persistence Rate Report Results Annual Cohort 1998 - 67% 2005 - 31% 1999 - 71% 2006 - 47% 2000 - 50% 2007 - 85% 2001 - 57% 2008 - 73% 2002 - 73% 2009 - 75% 2003 - 77% 2010 - 92% 2004 - 60% 2011 - 100%

California College Pathways Website Central location to find all community college and university’s who offer specialized support and services to emancipated foster youth throughout the State. http://www.cacollegepathways.org/programs.php

California Chafee Grant Program Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) College Career Technical Training Commission’s Chafee Grant Website www.chafee.csac.ca.gov California Student Aid Commission Specialized Programs Operations Branch Attn: California Chafee Grant Program P.O. Box 419029 Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9020

California Department of Social Services Independent Living Program (ILP) Who is eligible? What are the services? In California, each county has the flexibility to design services to meet a wide range of individual needs and circumstances for present and former foster youth, and to coordinate services with other Federal and State agencies engaged in similar activities. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Independent Living Program Policy Unit Child & Youth Permanency Branch 744 P Street, MS 14-78 Sacramento, CA 95814 www.ilppolicy@dss.ca.gov

California Providing Services to Foster Youth www.chafee.csac.ca.gov www.cacollege.pathways.org www.communitycollege.org www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov www.fosterclub.com www.childsworld.ca.gov www.cccco.edu www.calyouthconn.org

What is Necessary to Establish a Guardian Scholars Program A. Core Elements Designated leadership Internal and external champions Collaborations with community agencies Data-driven decision making Staff peer support and professional development (SCHEFYC) Sustainability planning Emerson, J. Casey Family Programs, (2010). A framework for program enhancement.

Key Elements Necessary to Establish a Comprehensive Guardian Scholars Program B. Direct Student Support Elements Year-round housing and other basic needs Financial Aid Academic advising, career counseling and supplemental support *C. Direct Student Support Elements Personal guidance, counseling and supplemental support Opportunities for student community engagement and leadership Planned transitions Emerson, J. Casey Family Programs, (2010). A framework for program enhancement.

Initial Steps Recommended to Start a Program Provide awareness and obtain approval and support from the office of the President. 2. Designate leadership and responsibility for guardian scholars program development. 3. Develop relationships within the campus identifying liaisons as well as in the community. 4. Identify youth attending your institution. 5. Identify champions. 6. Data Driven Decision Making 7. Academic progress monitoring and sustainability planning is critical to student long term success. 8. Staff peer support is also very important Emerson, J. Casey Family Programs, (2010). A framework for program enhancement.

CSUF Guardian Scholars Program Important Community Partnerships California Youth Connection County Department of Children & Family Services County Department of Education County Juvenile Courts – Girls / Boys Court County Transition Housing Programs Lestannac Community Clinic Little Professor Book Store Orangewood Children’s Foundation St. Jude’s Medical Center United Friends of the Children Young Dentistry Services