Mission Statement:
The Hope Scholars Program offers holistic support for students who are current or former foster youth, under legal guardianship, unaccompanied homeless, or disconnected. We provide priority registration, scholarships, year-round housing, personalized academic and personal counseling, tutoring, employment opportunities, workshops, and referrals to campus and community resources. Our family-oriented approach ensures students have the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Program Eligibility:
- Admitted into UCSD
- Former or current foster youth, legal guardianship, unaccompanied homeless, or disconnected
- Full-time enrollment / undergraduate (12 units)
- Considered independent by the Office of Financial Aid
- California resident, U.S. Citizen, or permanent resident
- Complete FAFSA Application
Program Commitments:
- Enroll and complete a minimum of 12 units (full-time) per quarter.
- Freshmen and Sophomore: Meet with your assigned peer mentor at least 3 times per quarter.
- Juniors and Seniors: Complete 1 advising appointment per quarter with Hope Scholars Staff.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Participate in at least 2 events per quarter hosted by Hope Scholars or OASIS
Pillars of the Hope Scholars Program
A program that offers holistic support for students who are current or former foster youth, under legal guardianship, unaccompanied homeless, or disconnected.
The Hope Scholars Summer Research Program
Application open 2/12/2026 - 4/3/2026
Apply now - only 5 spaces available!
The Hope Scholars Program offers holistic support for students who are current or former foster youth, under legal guardianship, unaccompanied homeless, or disconnected.
The Hope Scholars Summer Research Program (Hope SRP) is designed to prepare current or former foster youth students interested in conducting research at the intersection of higher education and the Foster Youth experience. The program consists of working closely with a faculty-mentor and the Hope program manager to learn about the research process, graduate studies, and career options.
Summer Research Program Eligibility:
- Admitted into UC San Diego
- Former or current foster youth
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Requirements:
- Must commit to staying engaged during the duration of the scholarship (June 22 - August 14, 2026).
- Develop a research project/plan that examines an issue/question at the intersection of higher education and the Foster Youth experience.
- Develop a oral presentation for the Summer Research Conference (SRC) as well as a written report based on the research conducted.
- Maintain regular communication.
- Cannot have other employment during the 8-week program.
- Cannot be enrolled in summer courses.
- Need a faculty mentor/sponsor
Benefits:
- Learn about the research process
- Build your CV/Resume
- Receive 199 credit
- Develop presentation skills
- Social network
- Professional development
- Mentorship
- GRE Prep Course (to be determined if it will be offered)
For questions please contact:
- Tamika Balderamos - tbalderamos@ucsd.edu
CONTACT US!
Hope Scholars
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.
More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
