Toro Guardian Scholars Programming

About TGS

In 2014, Toro Guardian Scholars (TGS) at California State University, Dominguez Hills was established as a holistic program to support current and former foster youth, students verified as McKinney-Vento, and unaccompanied minors in navigating higher education. Over the years, TGS has flourished thanks to student engagement, feedback, advocacy, and the development of intentional programming that supports Scholar wellbeing and goals.

Through these efforts, TGS built a community-centered space where eligible students are able to connect with peers with shared life experiences and build community. To learn more about program eligibility, see the criteria below, all students are welcome to apply.

Program Eligibility

Students eligible for TGS program:

Current and former foster youth.
Declared a ward of the court.
Kinship Guardianship formally established through the Department of Children and Family Services.
Students who experienced homelessness during grades K-12, verified under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

If you are unsure of your eligibility or you are unable to find your verification documents, please connect with the Toro Guardian Scholars program at tgscholars@csudh.edu.

Program Services

Holistic case management and advocacy
Priority registration for classes
Emergency and housing support
Academic advocacy and support
Textbook assistance
Access to internship resources
Participation in financial wellness workshops
Networking opportunities
Attendance at special events and community-building activities
Peer mentorship for guidance and support
Student development and leadership opportunities

Program Requirements

To ensure comprehensive support throughout their academic journey, all TGS Scholars are encouraged to participate in various activities, including:

Meet with Scholars Support Counselor three times per semester
Attend one financial wellness workshop per academic year
Engage in two TGS workshops/campus events per semester
Submit a progress report half-way through Fall and Spring semesters

Community Partnership

Toro Guardian Scholars is committed to working alongside community partners to further our mission of supporting current and former foster youth, McKinney Vento eligible students, and unaccompanied minors. For partnership inquiries, tour requests, and resource fair opportunities, please contact Toro Guardian Scholars. If you are a school counselor, foster youth liaison, social worker, or other foster youth serving professional and need support for a prospective or current student, please contact the TGS office at (310) 243-2052 or via email at tgscholars@csudh.edu.