Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program

Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program for Former Foster Youth

Geographic Scope: Sacramento and Davis, California (Sacramento State University and University of California, Davis)

Focus Areas: Financial security, educational support, guaranteed income for former foster youth pursuing higher education

Target Population: Former foster youth enrolled in Guardian Scholars Programs at participating universities

Program Details:

• Award Amount: $500 per month for one year
• Duration: Two years of funding available for Sacramento State cohort (years 3-4 of studies); inaugural year for UC Davis cohort
• Current Participants: 20 students total
  • 10 Sacramento State students (second year of funding)
  • 10 UC Davis students (inaugural year)
• Total Distribution: $120,000 distributed over the next year to support current cohorts

Pilot Launch: May 2024 with 10 Sacramento State students

Funding Sources:

• United Way's Women United action group (Sacramento State cohort)
• Additional community funding partners for expansion

Partner Universities:

• Sacramento State University - Guardian Scholars Program
• University of California, Davis - Guardian Scholars Program

Mission:
To increase college graduation rates among former foster youth and address the disheartening statistic that only 3% of former foster youth obtain a college degree. The program aims to help students focus on educational goals rather than financial hardship.

Contact Information:

• United Way California Capital Region
• 10389 Old Placerville Road, Sacramento, CA 95827
• (916) 368-3000
• Monday–Friday 8:00 am - 4:45 pm