About
In 2017 I saw a viral video about Foster Youth moving into their college dorm rooms all alone at Fresno State University. The video moved me to tears. I shared it on social media and watched it over and over again.
I searched for a similar program close to my home in LA. The internet quickly revealed UCLA's Bruin Guardian Scholars Program . I contacted UCLA, asked if there was Dorm Move-In Day volunteer program and they said, no but they'd love to start one!
Now each September volunteers came together to deliver boxes of supplies and to help students move into their dorm rooms and make their beds. We also throw the students a Holiday Party with gift bags and stockings providing practical and fun items for the students who typically spend winter break all alone in the dorms.
Mission
UCLA Bruin Guardian Scholars Program serves 140 current and former Foster youth who attend UCLA. These students have overcome barriers such as homelessness, family mental health issues, and abuse throughout their lives and are extremely resilient. This program builds a community of peers who have faced similar challenges in life. For more info contact Bruin Guardian Scholars.
Other ways to help
To make a tax-deductible donation visit Ready To Succeed LA: Project Dorm Room
To volunteer to help make student Care Packages, Bake for the Holiday Party, Fundraise, or Provide Internships, sign up here
If you can help a student get a meaningful paid summer internship, contact Ready to Succeed LA
If you are interested in helping Foster Youth starting college near you, this is a partial list of programs and a good place to start your research. Please reach out and help a student, it is rewarding and satisfying to see these students achieve their goals!
For questions contact Volunteer taniaksuster@gmail.com