Salute to Grads Who Defied the Odds

San Francisco’s Guardian Scholars program helps youth in care
 continue to succeed by providing assistance with college attendance. The program is tailored for youth in care only and not only helps with making the right decisions in regards to applying and completing college but it also helps youth in care to eliminate the stigma that
 can arise from being involved in the foster care system. 
 
The program’s main goals are:
 
-- To provide one-stop shopping to help the students navigate the academic environment and to attain the financial aid and services they need to stay in school.
 
Photo by Susana Mariscal 
 
-- To advocate for the students within the college and community.
 
-- To help the students address their housing needs.
 
 
 
Studies have shown that less than 3 percent of young adults aging out of the foster care system receive a college degree. Therefore the program has attempted to bridge the gap in need by providing youth with book vouchers, transit passes, campus food cards and other essentials.  One of the most discernable differences of the program is the “open enrollment” policy which allows all future students the same opportunity to reach their full potential in regards to college education.
 
Micah Rivera, a 24-year-old graduate who spoke at the City College commencement, said she never thought she would be graduating because she had been a high school freshman more than twice.  She spent her youth in homeless shelters and in the family car.  She said “a lot of people gave up on me - I almost gave up on myself - and now I'm going to college on a full ride." Another grantee, Bonta Hill was in foster care from 10 to 17.  He can relate to the stigma associated with youth in care since it was awkward for him to tell his peers about his situation, going from place to place.  He did not have “a safety net” in his life. Now, with the support from this program and the opportunities they were offered, he and the rest of the grantees have developed their potential and we can expect great outcomes.
 
Courtesy of John Diaz-- The San Francisco Chronicle.
 
Original article: SFGate.Com: On Youth in Care Success Stories: Salute to grads who defied the odds
Link: http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-06-06/opinion/21779264_1_students-academic-year-judicial-system 
 
 
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Last Updated (Monday, 06 June 2011 14:38)