First Star UCLA Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy

The First Star UCLA Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy is an innovative program that empowers high school foster youth to overcome abysmal foster youth education outcomes. Nationally, only 50% of foster youth graduate high school, and less than 3% earn a college degree. There are currently 7 Academies operating on university campuses throughout the United States. Through the Foster Youth Academy, cohorts of 30 rising 9th grade foster youth live on the university’s campus each summer throughout high school for 4-6 weeks during which they do high school credit recovery, participate in life skills training, and earn college credit. They return to campus 1-2 days each month for additional program. The UCLA BGSA shows foster youth that they belong on a college campus, and helps them get there.