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Beyond J

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Sac State’s Guardian Scholars Program helps former foster youth beat the odds and earn their college degrees

Guardian Scholars Program Director Linda Ram speaks at the opening of the program's new office and lounge inside Sacramento Hall in August 2024. (Sacramento State/Phillip Altstatt)

By Jonathan Morales

May 06, 2025

For former foster youth, attending college, let alone graduating, may seem daunting. In fact, nationally, only 4% of college students who have experienced the foster system will earn a degree.

Bucking that trend are the students in Sac State’s Guardian Scholars Program, which provides support and resources to former foster youth at the University. The program has just over 200 students participating, and will see nearly 40 of them graduate this academic year alone.

Linda Ram, the program’s director, joins “Beyond J” this week to talk about the challenges former foster youth face in college, how Guardian Scholars supports them, and the tremendous growth of the program in just the past few years. Also joining us is Thomas Taylor, a Guardian Scholars student who is working toward a degree in Mechanical Engineering, to share his experience both in the foster system and at Sac State.

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About Jonathan Morales

Jonathan Morales joined the Sac State communications team in 2017 as a writer and editor. He previously worked at San Francisco State University and as a newspaper reporter and editor. He enjoys local beer, Bay Area sports teams, and spending time outdoors with his family and dog.

More about the Guardian Scholars Program