Sacramento State Admission Guaranteed for Foster and Homeless Youth

Sacramento State University is making it easier for students who have been in foster care or experienced homelessness to go to college. Starting in Fall 2025, the Guardian Scholar Promise (GSP) offers guaranteed Sacramento State admission for students who meet California State University (CSU) requirements and have spent time in foster care or been identified as homeless in high school under the McKinney-Vento Act.

Make a difference for foster youth by donating to our Scholars Programs HERE.

What is the Guardian Scholars Promise?

This program helps students by:

• Guaranteeing admission if they qualify
• Providing support through the Guardian Scholars Program (GSP)
• Offering resources, like academic advising, priority class registration, and on-campus housing

Why Choose Sacramento State?

• Over 200 graduates from the GSP program in the last 10 years
• The largest foster youth program in Northern California and the third-largest in the CSU system
• University President Dr. Luke Wood is a former foster youth who wants Sacramento State to be a top school for students with foster care experience

Who Can Apply?

Students must:

• Meet CSU admission requirements
• Show proof they were in the child welfare system for at least one day or were homeless in high school

How to Apply

1. Apply to Sacramento State through CalState Apply
2. Contact the Guardian Scholars Program (email: [email protected] or call 916-278-6680)
3. Send proof of foster care or homelessness status
4. Meet with a GSP Program Coordinator to complete enrollment

Need More Information?

Visit the GSP office at Sacramento Hall, Room 118, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. or call (916) 278-6680.

This program is an amazing opportunity for foster youth and homeless students to get a college education with the support they need! 

Did you know Foster Love provides financial aid for current and former foster youth?

Looking for more resources? We’ve got you!

Our academics department provides scholarships for foster youth pursuing higher education! Even if you have a guaranteed Sacramento State admission, we can help you pay for the rest with a scholarship! Check out our Academics page to learn more: https://academics.fosterlove.com/