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.

Struggling With Housing or Other Needs?

The nonprofit Bill Wilson Center has programs to support students who need assistance with emergency housing, employment, food or substance abuse. Representatives are available in the Outreach office – RSS 127 (down the hall from the Bookstore) – on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Here are some additional resources 

Support for Foster Youth

guardian scholars logoThe 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.

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"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

  • What is the Foster Youth Success Initiative?

  • Who is eligible for foster youth support services?

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.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

More Resources Off Campus

How to Apply

If You're Already Enrolled at De Anza

  1. Meet with Flora Payne, the GSP counselor.
  2. Fill out the EOPS application and/or the supplemental Guardian Scholars Program application.
  3. Submit a foster youth verification/dependency letter to Financial Aid Office.
  4. Attend GSP orientation.
  5. Meet with the GSP counselor at least twice per quarter.

If You Haven't Enrolled at De Anza

  1. Apply for admission as soon as you can.
  2. Meet with Flora Payne, the GSP counselor.
  3. Fill out the EOPS Application and/or the supplemental Guardian Scholars Program application.
  4. Submit the foster youth verification/dependency letter to Financial Aid Office.
  5. Attend GSP orientation.
  6. Enroll in current quarter.
  7. Meet with the GSP counselor twice per quarter.

Questions?

EOPS Office Hours

  • Monday-Thursday 
    8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday 
    8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Please call 408-864-8950 or email eops@fhda.edu to make an appointment.


Flora Payne

Guardian Scholars
Program Counselor / Coordinator

Melinda Hughes

EOPS Assistant Director

Nathan Tia 

RISE Coach

Admissions and Records

Barry Johnson 
Foster Youth Ally

Financial Aid

Mayra Godoy Rodriguez
Foster Youth Liason

More Links

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