Guardian Scholars Program Supports Ball State Students Who Experienced Foster Care
Succeeding in college can be challenging for many students. However, those who have experienced foster care may have circumstances that make the journey through higher education more complicated than that of their peers. These students often face obstacles that can impede their academic progress, such as a lack of financial support, emotional guidance, and a stable support system.
The disparity in educational outcomes becomes glaringly apparent, with students from foster care backgrounds being 33 percent more likely to withdraw from college compared to their low-income, first-generation college peers. The Division of Student Affairs indicated that only about 40 percent of students with a foster care background graduate, often taking longer than their peers to do so. This is a clear indicator of the need for targeted supportive interventions and resources to help bridge the gap. Guardian Scholars aims to ensure students with foster care backgrounds receive the support they need to successfully navigate college life and achieve their academic and personal goals.
The Guardian Scholars program at Ball State University aims to offer the support and resources to address these disparities in educational outcomes. Launched in 2004 with support from the Lumina Foundation, the program offers a comprehensive support system for students who have experienced foster care.
“The significance of the Guardian Scholars program and the opportunity it provides to some of the most vulnerable students on campus speaks to our moral obligation as a public institution,” said Ro-Anne Royer Engle, vice president for student affairs. “For those who believe in the power of higher education to transform lives and change circumstances, the Guardian Scholars program is an exemplar of our best work.
“As a dedicated supporter of the program for over 20 years,” Ms. Royer Engle continued. “I have witnessed the program provide meaningful support and connections for students who would not have made it in higher education if not for the program.”
The Guardian Scholars prioritizes student success through its four Program Pillars:
- Holistic Support: The program ensures students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically, personally, and financially.
- Growth Mindset: Guardian Scholars fosters a positive and empowering outlook, encouraging students to reach their full potential.
- Self-Advocacy: The program equips students with the skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and their needs.
- Inclusiveness: Guardian Scholars creates a welcoming and supportive environment where all students feel valued and respected.
Support Makes a Difference
Some students may take for granted getting a care package of cookies and snacks from home, but that’s one of many types of support students who were in the foster system may not get. Designed to empower students, the Guardian Scholars program offers a variety of initiatives that offer a wide range of support, including the distribution of care packages and:
- Coaching meetings to provide guidance and support
- Events and seminars on topics relevant to foster youth
- Program scholarships to help alleviate financial burdens
- Personal care kits that include basic needs, including hygiene items and cleaning supplies
- Winter Break boxes to ensure students have what they need during breaks
- School break housing assistance to help navigate safe and reliable housing needs during breaks
- Graduation regalia to ease the financial burden that purchasing these items can cause and to ensure students can participate in graduation ceremonies
Recent Grant Support
Every March, Women of Beneficence—an influential group of Ball State alumni and friends who are passionate about the University—awards grants to Ball State projects that follow the Beneficence Pledge and enhance the University and Muncie communities. This year, the group chose Guardian Scholars as a $30,000 grant recipient, allowing Student Affairs to implement a textbook assistance program for these vulnerable students—removing another barrier.
Guardian Scholars was also recently awarded a “Hometown Heroes” grant by Woof Boom Radio and WLBC in Muncie. This grant provides more than $10,000 in promotional and commercial resources for November 2024—including on-air promos, website advertising, and social media promotion—all aimed at raising awareness of the program. This is the second year that the program has received this award.
“Grants like these are important because the program’s continuation and success largely depend on the generosity of the community,” said Bria Zolman, program manager for TeenWorks@BSU and Guardian Scholars. “Support from grants and financial contributions substantially impacts these students, helping ensure they can access the resources they need to pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.
“The Guardian Scholars program is so fortunate to have a passionate group of individual donors and partner organizations who provide ongoing funding and in-kind gifts toward our program supplies and scholarships,” Ms. Zolman continued. “The value of receiving grants like those from Women of Beneficence and Hometown Heroes cannot be understated. These grants are helping us sustain and expand the services provided to students who have experienced foster care. They’re also helping us spread awareness of the program to new students and donors.”
Ms. Zolman also said that Ball State, as an institution and broader community, has demonstrated its commitment to supporting these students navigating college life without traditional family support structures.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be a part of the lives of Guardian Scholars students,” she said. “They are the real heroes.”
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