SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nonprofit United Way California Capitol Region is awarding 10 former foster youth attending Sacramento State with $500 a month under its new collegiate guaranteed income program.
The 10 students from across the Sacramento region participating in Sacramento State's Guardian Scholars Program will receive guaranteed monthly income for 12 months stating in May.
United Way California Capitol Region CEO and President Dawnté Early said Sacramento State President Luke Wood's inspiring journey as a former foster youth made the college a natural choice.
“Earlier this year, Dr. Wood said his goal is for Sacramento State to have the largest enrollment of former foster youth in the country and be known for serving them. That commitment aligns with our longtime pledge to support foster youth in and out of the classroom," Early said. "Together with Dr. Wood, United Way’s aim is to create an environment where these students can focus more on their studies and less on basic needs like housing, food and transportation.”
United Way launched the first guaranteed income program of its kind in the California Capital Region in July 2021, followed it up with a second round of funding in March 2023 with the City of Sacramento, and again in November 2023 with County of Sacramento and Sierra Health Foundation.
"I was once a foster youth myself, so I understand firsthand the immense challenges this population faces in pursuing higher education," said Wood. "Too often, students who were in the foster care system lack the financial and emotional support structures that many of their peers take for granted."
