UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program

The Guardian Scholars Program would like to give a HUGE thank you to the Ticket to Dream Foundation Ticket to Dream Foundation | Foster Care Nonprofit for a wonderful night with Megan Moroney. Our students had a blast and a fun time was had by all. GSP is definitely on Cloud 9, thanks to this fantastic experience.
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Alt text: a combination of photos throughout the night at a Megan Moroney Concert on August 5 at the the Golden1 Center. Photos include group pictures of conncert goers, the stage, and limited edition Megan Moroney cups.

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

A huge thank you to Nicole for participating in and completing our Alumni Questionnaire. We wish her the best of luck with her future. 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: The graphic features a blue and teal gradient background with small doodle accents and a torn paper effect. At the top, large text on a notepad-style paper reads “Meet Nicole, Guardian Scholars Program Alum.” A photo of Nicole is placed on the left side. She is smiling, wearing glasses, and looking directly at the camera. To the right of the photo is a long quote from Nicole that says, “I owe so much of my success to the Guardian Scholars Program. When I transferred to UC Davis, I was fully content with having my little mouse moment and just getting through undergrad alone. Little did I know GSP would become such an important part of my academic journey. I needed help getting an Adobe subscription? GSP got me. My bike needed repairs? GSP got me. I needed emergency grocery funds? GSP. Got. Me. Because of that support, I was able to pour more energy into my work without constantly worrying about whether my basic needs were going to be met. But GSP ended up being way more than that.” At the bottom, text reads “Guardian Scholars Program Alumni Spotlight.”

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.