Every year, thousands of young people enroll in community colleges across California with determination, but without a stable support system. This is particularly true for youth who have experienced the foster care system. Many transition-age and former foster youth are working full-time, parenting, and struggling to cover food, housing and transportation. Without consistent financial and emotional support, these pressures can derail their efforts to earn a college degree.
Through our Foster Youth initiative, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation invests in solutions that create pathways to economic independence for young people who have experience in the foster care system. Evidence shows they are more likely to succeed when they have peer connections, a trusted adult, and access to basic needs and mental health resources.
The Foundation for California Community Colleges created the statewide Student Ambassadors Program, selecting student leaders who receive a stipend to connect their peers to campus and local resources that help them stay enrolled. At Los Angeles City College (LACC), every selected ambassador came from the Guardian Scholars Program, which provides academic and personal guidance to current and former foster youth pursuing higher education.
This short film tells the powerful, personal stories of Student Ambassadors and their counselor at LACC. Ambassadors, all with lived experience in foster care, reflect on their educational journey and the impact of their counselor, who is determined to make sure her students are not navigating college or life alone.
Foster youth consistently emphasize that caring adults play a decisive role in their ability to finish college. As LACC’s Student Ambassador mentor and Guardian Scholars counselor, Christina supports students beyond the classroom, helping them build the confidence and access the resources they need to succeed in every part of their lives.
Nearly 70% of college students with foster care experience report housing insecurity. As a Student Ambassador and member of the LA Tenants Union, Elizabeth connects her peers to housing and financial resources that supported her through her education journey.
Students with foster care experience are more likely to graduate when they participate in campus programs designed specifically for them. Michelle reflects on how working as a Student Ambassador boosted her confidence, and how guidance from her counselor helped her shape her path toward becoming a social worker.
Peer‑to‑peer mentors are more than twice as effective as adult mentors, according to foster youth. As a Student Ambassador, Anthony channels his outgoing personality to help students feel a sense of belonging to the campus community and less alone as they navigate college and career pathways.
Last year alone, the Student Ambassadors at LACC reached 15,000 students with critical resources and guidance, and they continue to make a meaningful impact on their peers and the campus community.