Hello Guardian Scholars
Welcome back to campus for the 2022-23 academic year! We are excited about having the opportunity to connect with you as the pandemic subsides and we are able to resume in-person services and activities for the program.
If you are a current Guardian Scholar, you will be hearing from Flora Payne, our newly hired full-time GSP counselor. If you are a prospective GSP student, please review our eligibility criteria and reach out to Ms. Payne if you have any questions regarding the program or application process. You can find ways to contact her by visiting the new Guardian Scholars Counselor webpage.
Here are some additional resources
- Free internet: Comcast is providing free internet access for two months to households that qualify under the Internet Essentials plan. Visit internetessentials.com/covid19 to see if you qualify.
- Counseling and Advising: You can still speak with an academic counselor by phone, email or Zoom video. Visit the Guardian Scholars Counselor webpage to find the most current contact information.
- Mental Health: De Anza’s Psychological Services program is also offering psychological counseling by phone or online. Visit the Psychological Services website to learn more.
- TimelyCare: Visit TimelyCare to speak online with a mental health professional anytime, 24/7.
- Tutoring: The Student Success Center is offering peer tutoring online and through other remote methods. Visit the Student Success Center website to learn more.
- More resources: Please check the documents posted at the bottom of this webpage and visit the Quarter Guide webpage to find more useful information and resources.
We hope that everyone stays healthy and safe during this challenging time. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding in-person or remote student services.
Support for Foster Youth
The Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) is an EOPS supplemental support service that assists
current or former foster youth in succeeding at De Anza College.
By providing students with individual attention and access to supportive resources, we hope that all of our scholars achieve academic success, graduation, employment and the ability to become a contributing member of society.
Guardian Scholars Receive
- Priority registration
- Grants that cover tuition and fees
- Academic advising – assistance with class selection and registration
- Referral to employment services, mentoring and career counseling – job placement, shadowing and advising
- Personal guidance, counseling and mentor – regular contact with a consistent counselor to develop and monitor an education plan
- Supplemental support – including textbook vouchers, meal vouchers, gas cards, transportation assistance
Become a Scholar!
By becoming a Guardian Scholar through the De Anza EOPS Program, students who are current or former foster youth get opportunities to participate in special events and activities, and develop supportive relationships with faculty, staff members and other students. Currently there are approximately 40 students in the program, and each is on their own unique path to academic and professional success.
In addition, Guardian Scholars are supported by caring and understanding EOPS faculty and staff members who empower and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Obtaining a college degree can be challenging, but with a proper support system in place, the sky is the limit for our students.
"GSP has shown me that despite my struggles and upbringing, there's people out there who endured the same pain as I did. Those individuals were able to thrive and find their happiness in their own special way despite being a foster child or troubled youth. That alone empowers me to keep going and thrive for a better tomorrow."
– Student at the 2017 GSP End-of-Year Celebration
"I enjoyed everything about the event and how we were all honored for our hard work. I'm just thankful for all the support from the GSP."
– Student at the 2017 GSP End-of-Year Celebration
Foster Youth Success
Scholarships
The following scholarships are available specifically to current and former foster youth. Please make sure you read the requirements for each application to make sure you are qualified.
- Family Fellowship Scholarship
- Foster Care to Success Scholarships
- Foster a Dream Dare to Dream Scholarship
- International Student Foundation Scholarship
- National Foster Parent Association Youth Scholarship
- Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship
- Pivotal YES Scholarship
Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
- Five Tips to Help Manage Stress
- Stress Management Tips to Help Find the Calm in your Life
- Top 10 Nutrition Tips for Everyday Health