Supportive Services for Current and Former Foster Youth

It is our privilege to welcome you to the Guardian Scholars program at San Bernardino Valley College. Our program is a safe place where you can come and create a community with the staff and your fellow students to help you achieve your academic goals. We are happy to have you join our program and look forward to working with you through your academic journey.

We encourage you to participate in all of the planned program activities and use all of the resources available for you. Feel free to ask questions, ask for assistance, and ask for support. Our mission is to help you succeed.

About the Guardian Scholars Program

The Guardian Scholars Program provides supportive services to current and former foster youth who have experienced foster care and helps them to excel in higher education. Guardian Scholars is designed to provide assistance and support to students with educational goals and practical day-to-day needs to ensure that full advantage is taken of college life, both inside and outside the classroom.

Guardian Scholars Office

Monday and Thursday  8am to 5pm
Tuesday and Wednesday  8am to 7pm
Friday  8am to 2:30pm

Program Services 

Academic Counseling

Parking Permits

Priority A Registration

Computer Lab

School Supplies

Workshops

designed to ensure success in college and careers

Housing Resources

Field Trips and Events

Get Started in the Guardian Scholars Program

Program Eligibility

You are eligbile for Guardian Scholars if you meet the following requirements

Been in foster care any time

Be between the ages 17-25

Be a current or prospective SBVC student

Steps to Join

Follow these steps to join the Suardian Scholars program and begin receiving services

Submit the Guardian Scholars application

Bring it to the Senior Student Services Technician in AD/SS 202

Submit your Dependency Verification Letter

Also known as Ward of the Court Letter

Schedule a meeting with your counselor

Have questions or need help with the application? Come visit us in AD/SS 202!

Resources

  • AB12 - Extended foster care until age 21
  • Accredited Schools Online
  • Housing Resources and Referrals - Housing Programs available for foster youth
  • Medi-Cal/Cover til 26 - Free Medi-Cal coverage in California if you were in foster care in any state at age 18 or older
  • CalFresh - monthly benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing food they need to maintain adequate nutritional level
  • Independent Living Program (ILP) - assists current and former foster youth between the ages of 16 and 21 to achieve self-sufficiency prior to and after, exciting the foster care system
  • John Burton Foundation - a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of California's homeless and foster youth by developing and implementing policy solutions
  • California College Pathways - is a statewide partnership that provides resources and leadership to campuses and community organizations to help foster youth succeed at community colleges and four-year universities
  • iFoster - Creates partnerships with existing business and develops resources for foster youth
  • INSPIRE - provides support through a variety of services to those who have "aged-out" of foster care, are able to be in a SILP under AB-12 or are homeless and do not have any family support. 909-316-0011
  • Support For College Students Experiencing Food Insecurity
  • Foster Youth Ombudsman - investigates complaints about state and local agencies regarding foster care.
  • Foster Club - believes the experiences young people have while in care, are the experts who have the ability to effect change within the system.
  • California Youth Connection - provides a vehicle for California foster youth to learn leadership and advocacy skills to engage directly with policymakers to improve the foster care system.

Contact Us

Office

AD/SS 202, 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92410

Evelyn Luna

Counselor

Cynthia Bernal

Senior Student Services Technican