UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program

Huge shoutout to our GSP staff who planned this celebration and somehow made it look effortless, and who also decorated the room like they were competing on a reality show. Thank you for setting up tables and arranging centerpieces like artists on a mission, and thank you for managing microphones. This night happened because of you and your ability to make magic out of yummy food, stoles, and to do lists. We appreciate you more than the free leftovers everyone tried to sneak home.
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Alt text: The photos show the GSP end of year celebration with staff and students gathered in a bright event space decorated with blue and gold balloons and streamers. Staff set up tables and arranged centerpieces, and they also prepared the photo backdrop and supported seniors as they spoke at the podium.

We want to give a big thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the end of the year and our GSP seniors. It was a night filled with new and familiar faces, and we loved spending time with students, guests, and mentors who make this community feel like home. We also want to congratulate our seniors who are graduating next week and remind you that wherever life takes you, GSP is always in your corner. We cannot wait to see what you do next and the impact you will make. We hope you enjoyed hearing the thoughtful and moving speeches from a few of our seniors and the delicious dinner from Red88. It was a special evening that we will remember and cherish together.
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Alt text: The photos show a joyful end‑of‑year celebration for the UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program, featuring seniors, guests, mentors, and staff gathered in a bright indoor event space decorated with blue and gold streamers, balloons, and graduation banners. One image shows a senior speaking at a podium in front of a tiled wall while attendees listen, another shows a table centerpiece with green leaves and a ribbon in front of a large screen displaying a congratulatory message, and several group photos capture graduates wearing light blue stoles as they pose with friends and supporters in front of a festive backdrop that reads “You did it GSP! Class of 2026.

We are happy to shine the spotlight on GSP alum, Norma Juarez. Feel free to read through her answers, advice, and career goals. GSP is so proud and beyond excited to see where Norma goes from here. We also can’t wait to hear about nursing school; congratulations on that huge achievement! We’re always rooting for you.

A huge thank you to Norma for participating in and completing our Alumni Questionnaire. We wish her the best of luck with school. We’re deeply grateful for the time, honesty, and heart you put into sharing your story. Your reflections add so much depth to this series and offer encouragement to students who are walking their own paths right now.
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Alt text: A smiling person wearing a gray UC Davis cap and gray shirt with maroon backpack straps stands outdoors against a soft blue gradient background. To the right, a notepad‑style paper reads “Meet Norma, Guardian Scholars Program Alum.” Below, inside a cloud‑shaped text box, a quote shares how GSP made UC Davis feel like home by providing community, caring staff, and grounding support. At the bottom, handwritten‑style text says “Guardian Scholars Program Alumni Spotlight.”

We are excited to share that GSP is prominently featured in this year’s UC Davis Give Day. Give Day is an online “event” that coincides with Picnic Day and garners philanthropic support for UC Davis programs.

This year, donors have stepped forward with generous gifts totaling $12,500 and are “challenging” 30 other donors to also step up with their own philanthropic support with a gift of any size!

With early donations from our supporters and alumni, we have already met our 1st challenge and unlocked $2,500.

With just 15 more donation of any size, we can complete our 2nd challenge to unlock a $10,000 donation to support our students with critical and essential needs while they pursue their goals.

Go to to support UC Davis GSP: https://tinyurl.com/GSPGiveDay2026CriticalNeeds

Join GSP in supporting Cal Aggie Camp!

Though Cal Aggie Camp is not under the Guardian Scholars Program, we support and collaborate with them when we can. Cal Aggie Camp provide a week-long summer camp experience for children ages 6 - 16 who have been impacted by the foster care system or other challenging circumstances.

Please consider donating to help them reach their goals to raise $13,000 to cover essential costs to provide an unforgettable experience for the children attending.

Cal Aggie Camp Join us this month and support Cal Aggie Camp.

Seems like everyone had a scary good time at GSP’s Halloween Party and Costume Contest! Thank you all so much for joining us, and we hope you had the spookiest Halloweekend!
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Alt text: Photo collage titled “Halloween Photo Dump” with pictures of students and staff in costumes.

GSP is offering a quarterly fee waiver for a class of up to $100 to help YOU stay active and connected! Check your email or reach out to GSP for your promo code!
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Alt text: Flyer for the Guardian Scholars Program promoting a Campus Rec Fee Waiver, featuring colorful illustrations of sports equipment including a soccer ball, basketball, football, tennis racket, jump rope, and more. Text highlights include that students can use the waiver once per quarter (up to $100), and request additional support through the opportunity grant. The flyer also reminds students to pay remaining balance at sign-up. Promo code details are available via email or by contacting GSP.

Our thoughts are with the family, friends, colleagues, and community of Senator John Burton. Many may not realize the tremendous impact he and John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) have had in shaping legislation that transformed the lives of current and former foster youth. His leadership helped expand foster care from age 18 to 21, secure housing support, increase financial aid, establish the foster youth tax credit, and ensure state funding for foster youth programs across community colleges, CSUs, and UCs.

At the heart of these reforms was Senator Burton’s deep commitment and unwavering dedication to young people.

Thank you, Senator John Burton.

https://jbay.org/remembering-john-burton/

🍁🍂HAPPY SEPTEMBER GSP!!🍁🍂

📣 We’d like to announce that the Center will be closed starting today, Monday 9/8 and will reopen on Tuesday, 9/23, due to our Peer Staff Training.

💭 Reach us at [email protected]
Or 530-754-2899

💗 We look forward to seeing you all in the coming weeks! 💗

🍂🍁HAPPY SEPTEMBER GSP!! 🍁🍂

📝 We’d like to announce that the Center will be closed starting today, Monday 9/8 and will reopen on Tuesday, 9/23, due to our Peer Staff Training.

✅ Career staff will still be available with varying availability, so check out our linktree to view their Calendly.

💗 We look forward to seeing you all in the coming weeks! 💗