Twenty former foster youth studying at Sacramento State and University of California, Davis, received their first payments today from United Way California Capital Region’s Collegiate Guaranteed Income program that will provide them with $500 a month for one year. Some of the checks were distributed at a joint press conference with the two universities where United Way announced the expansion of the program to include another year of funding for the 10 Sacramento State students in the pilot program that launched a year ago, as well as the inaugural year of funding for 10 students at UC Davis – distributing a total of $120,000 over the next year to support these students.
“Over the past year, we have witnessed the hard work and resilience of these 10 Sacramento State students, and we are thrilled to provide them with an additional year of guaranteed income so we can see them through to graduation, while also extending this opportunity to 10 former foster youth students at UC Davis,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We know the disheartening statistics that currently show only 3% of former foster youth will obtain a college degree. We at United Way refuse to accept that status quo and instead are mobilizing our community to create change and build a future where former foster youth can reach their full potential and thrive. These 20 students at Sacramento State and UC Davis are changing the educational landscape for themselves and future foster youth.”
United Way launched its Collegiate Guaranteed Income program in May 2024 as a pilot with 10 Sacramento State students in the university’s Guardian Scholars Program for former foster youth. The 10 students received $500 a month for a year and were surprised in April to learn they will receive an additional year of guaranteed income to help them through their junior and senior years of school so they can obtain their degree. United Way’s Women United action group provided the funding for the pilot year and will continue to fund the Sacramento State cohort this year.
“Sacramento State is honored to have taken part in the pilot phase of United Way California Capital Region’s Collegiate Guaranteed Income program and support its continued expansion,” said Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood. “This initiative has played a vital role in easing the financial challenges our students face as they transition out of the foster care system. We remain committed to this important partnership and to building opportunities that help our students achieve their educational aspirations.”
With the success of the pilot at Sacramento State, United Way is expanding its Collegiate Guaranteed Income program to UC Davis, providing funding for 10 students in the university’s Guardian Scholars Program.
“UC Davis Guardian Scholars are some of the most ardent and dedicated students I know,” said Dr. Gary S. May, UC Davis chancellor. “We are grateful to United Way for expanding its Collegiate Guaranteed Income program to our community of former foster youth. Guaranteed income will give these 10 students the opportunity to focus more on their educational goals and less on how they will afford rent, groceries and transportation.”
The Collegiate Guaranteed Income program brings together United Way’s experience working with foster youth with its expertise in guaranteed income. United Way has been supporting foster youth for more than two decades and launched the first Guaranteed Income program of its kind in the California Capital Region in July 2021, following that up with additional rounds of funding in partnership with the City of Sacramento, County of Sacramento and local nonprofits.
United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive. Workingacross Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way also provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento. To make a donation: www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org.
The Guardian Scholars Program at Sacramento State is designed to support current and former foster youth students by increasing graduation rates and their overall success. Students who have experienced the foster care system have unique needs and challenges. This program offers various services to support their journey at Sacramento State. For more information: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/centers-programs/guardian-scholars/.
The UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program is committed to improving educational outcomes for students with lived experiences in foster care, child welfare or out-of-home placement by providing services and support to meet their needs through transition, graduation and post-graduation planning. The program strives to maximize educational opportunities and university experiences through its comprehensive services and holistic advising to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. For more information: https://opportunity.ucdavis.edu/programs/guardian-scholars.
