Foster Youth

The UC Santa Barbara Guardian Scholars Program supports the academic and personal success of students who have been part of the foster care system. Program services include academic support, enrichment services, student advocacy, career guidance, peer networking, housing assistance, and financial aid advising.

The Guardian Scholars Program at UCSB currently supports approximately 180 students. The program helps to ensure that incoming students have a smooth transition into the UCSB community and are provided with a network of services to enhance their educational experience. The program provides scholarship opportunities, community building, leadership opportunities, campus resource referrals, mentoring, social support, and much more!

Program Goals

A foundation of the UCSB Guardian Scholars Program is the belief that services or programs for foster youth should be defined by the youth themselves.

Ensure incoming students experience a smooth transition into the UCSB community
Provide a network of services to enhance the educational experiences of students from matriculation through graduation
Establish a network of campus departments and personnel who will assist students as they process all university business matters (Financial Aid, Housing, registration, etc.).

Provide academic advising that supports academic success
Provide leadership opportunities that enhance personal growth, career enhancement, and graduate school opportunities
Build a peer support network in which currently enrolled students serve as mentors to prospective students considering higher education
Participate in advocacy efforts both on campus and statewide to promote awareness of issues affecting foster youth.

Contact Information

If you wish to speak to anyone on our staff or wish to text in a quick question, feel free to use the following cell number: (805) 451 -1407

Stephany Rubio

Director, Guardian Scholars Program
Office Hours: M&W, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT
(805) 893-5631
Stephany.rubio@sa.ucsb.edu

Rickee Hill

Program Coordinator, Guardian Scholars Program
Office Hours: M-F, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM PT
(805) 451-1407
RickeeHill@ucsb.edu

Peer Advocates

Our Peer Advisors are students of the Guardian Scholars Program who have been hired to assist in programmatic activities and development. As the front line staff, the Peer Advisors are the face of the program from the perspective of their fellow students. They facilitate meetings, plan and conduct student activities, and lead the student organization of the program.

This is a headshot of Guardian Scholar Intern, Linsy. Lindsy wears a black cardigan with jeans.

Linsy Martinez

Linsy Martinez is from Los Angeles, California and is a second-year Sociology major and double minoring in Applied Psychology and Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice, at UCSB. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, drawing, watching movies, and exploring new places. If you have any questions regarding the Guardian Scholars Program, contact Linsy via email at linsymartinez@ucsb.edu.

This is a headshot of Guardian Scholar Intern, Aileen. Aileen wears glasses and a brown cardigan.

Aileen Ramos

Aileen Ramos is from Los Angeles, California and is a second-year Psychology and Brain Science major at UCSB. In her free time, she enjoys reading poetry, journaling, going on walks, and watching movies. If you have any questions about the Guardian Scholars Program, contact Aileen via email at aileenramos@ucsb.edu.

This is a headshot of Guardian Scholar Intern, Jonah. Jonah wears glasses and a blue button up.

Jonah Lynch

Jonah Lynch is from Mammoth Lakes, California. He is a fourth-year Sociology major with a minor in Applied Psychology at UC Santa Barbara. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, playing music, and going on walks. He appreciates the GS Resource Center because it provides a space for students to study (especially when the library is packed during midterms or finals). Feel free to contact him via email at jonahlynch@ucsb.edu.

This is a headshot of Guardian Scholar Intern, Ashtin. Ashtin wears a crisp, white t-shirt.

Ashtin Sterling

Ashtin Sterling is from Richmond, California and is a second-year Sociology major. In his free time, you can find him at the gym or playing basketball. Ashtin enjoys the Guardian Scholars Program because they have a nice space that you can use to study and they also provide free snacks. Feel free to contact him via email at ashtin@ucsb.edu.

This is a headshot of Guardian Scholar Intern, Lakeysha. Lakeysha wears a tan blazer and jeans.

Lakeysha Jackson

Lakeysha Jackson is from Los Angeles, California and is a Black Studies major with a minor in Applied Psychology. In her free time, she likes to dance, cook, practice self-care, listen to music, and watch movies. Lakeysha is a student-parent and enjoys the Guardian Scholars Program because they help guide students academically, personally and emotionally. Don’t be afraid to ask her questions and ask about how to use the resources in the program. You can reach out to her via email lakeysha817@ucsb.edu.

Departmental Liaison

The Guardian Scholars Advisory Committee is made up of a dozen UCSB staff who have volunteered to serve as their respective departmental liaisons to the program and our students. Due to their support, Guardian Scholars receive priority consideration, expedited appointments, and most of all, access to compassionate staff with whom they can trust.