Golden Torch Scholars

Golden Torch Scholars

Mission Statement

Golden Torch Scholars is dedicated to supporting students with foster care experience by providing integrated academic, financial, and social resources that promote academic and personal development. Through stable housing, comprehensive meal support, targeted financial assistance, and dedicated staff such as a Care Case Coordinator. Graduate Mentor, Academic Support Coordinator, and Success Coach, the program works to reduce financial burdens and limit reliance on student loans. It fosters community, confidence, self-advocacy, and resilience, creating the conditions for participants to excel academically and prepare for successful professional futures.

Vision Statement

The Golden Torch Scholars program envisions an inclusive and supportive academic community where students with foster care experience have equitable access to the resources, guidance, and mentorship necessary to thrive. The program seeks to ease the transition into college life, reduce financial stress, and equip participants with the skills and confidence needed for both academic and career success. Through collaboration, community building, and individualized support, it aims to remove barriers, foster personal and professional growth, and develop future leaders in their chosen fields.

Program Goals

Goal 1

Increasing college retention and graduation rates by equipping students with the resources and stability needed to persist each year and graduate within four years, breaking cycles of college attrition for foster youth.

Goal 2

Reducing financial hardship and student loan debt by providing comprehensive financial support and planning so students can focus on their education while minimizing reliance on loans and emergency housing/food resources.

Goal 3

Developing confident, career-ready community leaders by empowering students to grow personally and professionally through mentorship, skill-building, and community engagement, preparing them to thrive beyond college.

Pillars of the Program

 Academic Empowerment

Individualized coaching, mentoring, and resources to help students stay on track, build skills, and graduate on time.

Stability

Year-round housing, meal support, and financial aid assistance to reduce barriers and minimize student debt.

Personal Development and Community

Mentorship, workshops, and campus engagement that build resilience, leadership, and a sense of belonging.

Participant Responsibilities

Academic Commitments

  • Meet monthly with assigned case manager (Center for Well-being and/or ASCEND) to review progress, discuss challenges, and set goals
  • Successfully complete at least 30 credits per academic year to stay on track for graduation (Can include Summer Courses)
  • Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Utilize available academic resources (tutoring, writing center, success coaching) as needed

Financial Commitments

  • File the FAFSA annually by state deadlines and complete all required documentation
  • Attend at least one meeting per year with a financial aid counselor

Engagement & Personal Development

  • Participate in at least one university-sponsored event or activity per month
  • Attend monthly group workshops or community-building sessions
  • Engage with mentor and peers to develop leadership, life skills, and resilience
  • Contribute positively to the program community and maintain good standing under the university’s Code of Conduct

Program Participation & Recognition

  • Attend end-of-year recognition event to celebrate achievements and reflect on progress
  • Provide feedback on program experiences to support continuous improvement

Program Benefit

  • Monthly one-on-one check-ins with mentor or case manager to discuss goals, challenges, and progress
  • $150 book stipend
  • Assistance with time management, study strategies, and test preparation
  • Guidance in course selection and degree planning to ensure timely graduation
  • Support for summer courses or accelerated credit opportunities to stay on track
  • Year-round on-campus housing for academic year and breaks
  • Financial aid support to cover remaining billed expenses using grants, scholarships, and institutional aid
  • Guidance to minimize student loan use and reduce overall debt
  • Assistance securing on-campus employment
  • FAFSA filing support each year with tracking of deadlines and required documentation
  • Group workshops and skill-building sessions (leadership, stress management, self-advocacy, conflict resolution)
  • Community-building events such as social gatherings, service projects, and peer support circles
  • Opportunities for peer networking and student organization involvement
  • Development of resilience, confidence, and self-advocacy skills
  • End-of-year recognition and celebration of achievements and program milestones

Program Eligibility Requirements

In order to become one of our Golden Torch Scholars students must

  • Receive the Foster Student Scholarship through their home state
  • Meet with assigned program coordinator once a month
  • Submit my FAFSA by the state deadline
  • Participate in at least one approved university sponsored event or activity each month
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Remain in good standing under the University's Code of Conduct

CLICK HERE TO APPLY