Creating Futures for Former Foster Youth

Foster youth who matriculate to CU-Boulder have already overcome so much. Their natural intelligence, talents, and tenacity have brought them this far. But there are still hurdles that can prevent their success. All too often, they lack the financial resources and support network to even reach a university campus, much less obtain a degree. It’s no wonder only one in 100 graduates from college.

The Guardian Scholars program at the University of Colorado Boulder tackles this injustice head on, providing financial, academic, and personal assistance for former foster youth now enrolled at CU-Boulder. This program takes young people with incredible potential but little to no support system and opens up a limitless number of paths to achievement.  These services ensure that Guardian Scholars have an opportunity not only to learn, but to lead and thrive.

A Small Price to Pay for a Brighter Future 

It costs over $21,000 annually for a Colorado student to attend CU-Boulder, including tuition, room, board, and other expenses. Generous partnerships and significant public aid for former foster youth fund a little over half of the financial assistance Guardian Scholars need.

Generous contributions from individuals and private foundations allow us to offer additional scholarships to the students in the program. Given that the average bachelor’s degree can be worth nearly a million dollars over the course of a lifetime, a Guardian Scholarship can be the difference between a successful life and a tragic one - your support will pay dividends that society will reap for decades to come.

A gift of any amount toward a Guardian Scholarship will provide opportunities for foster students.

The Time is Now

For every moment we wait, another foster youth will be denied an opportunity for a college education. The more support the Guardian Scholars program receives, the more we can help students whose potential outpaces their resources and allow these emancipated youth to attain true freedom through education.

TO MAKE A DONATION, CLICK HERE.

To learn about the many ways you can make a gift, contact: 

Amy Westfeldt
Director of Development
Campus Programs and Parent Giving
Phone: 303.492.4177
Amy.Westfeldt@colorado.edu