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!
Eligibility:
- Must be formerly/current Foster Youth
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Must commit to staying engaged during the duration of the scholarship.
- Must be professional, accountable, and a team player.
- Develop a research project/plan that examines an issue/question at the intersection of higher education and Foster Youth experience.
- Develop a poster or oral presentation as well as a written report based on the research conducted.
- Maintain regular communication.
Responsibilities:
- Attend regular meetings and work with faculty mentor and HOPE program director.
- Develop a research project/plan that examines an issue/question at the intersection of higher education and Foster Youth experience.
- Develop a poster or oral presentation as well as a written report based on the research conducted.
- Conduct a literature review on a topic that meets at the intersection of higher education and Foster Youth.
- Maintain regular communication.
- Complete work assignments and tasks on time.
- Be prepared to submit a research report and present research project by the end of the quarter.
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)
- $3,000 Stipend + On campus Housing
Requirements:
- Cannot have other employment during the 8-week program.
- Cannot be enrolled in summer courses.
- Need a faculty mentor/sponsor
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.
