Sacramento State Introduces Program To Support Foster And Unhoused Students

By Maureen Ojiambo | Special to The OBSERVERNext fall, Sacramento State will admit students who have experienced foster care and homelessness through the new Guardian Scholars Promise program.On Nov. 13, President Dr. Luke Wood said in a statement that the university is committed to ensuring students get support and opportunities to pursue their dream. “We want to signal to foster youth everywhere that Sacramento State cares about you and your academic goals,” he said. Dr. Wood and his twin brother Josh both are products of the foster care system.“We have staff and faculty who are dedicated to treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve,” Dr. Wood added. “You have a dedicated space on campus to build your own community, and you will have priority on-campus housing accommodations coming in.”The new program, part of the Guardian Scholars Program, grants students who meet CSU admissions criteria guaranteed admission to the university.Sac State said the program’s aim is to improve the success rate of former foster and unhoused youth by administering helpful services for learning and academic success.“When you look at the dismal rates of foster youth actually graduating from college, it’s like 4% now,” said Linda Howe-Ram, director of Sac...