FAQ

1. Who is a foster youth?
  A foster youth is someone who has been removed from their biological family's custody and then placed in state custody--this is known as foster care. Foster care includes placement with relatives, foster families, group homes, shelters and other placements for children under the age of 21.
 
2. I am not sure if I qualify for GSP? How can I find out?
 
- Be a former or current foster youth
- Provide documentation that you emancipated from the foster care system or AB12 eligible
- Qualify for "Independent Student Status" under federal financial aid guidelines
 
3. I did not apply to EOP, can I still apply to GSP?
  No. All GSP applicants must submit an EOP application. If you have not submitted an application to EOP, you must apply as soon as possible. GSP students must be accepted to EOP.
 
4. What is ward of the court documentation?
  Ward of the court documentation can be generated by your county social worker. We ask for a letter that includes the following information: Your name, dates spent in the foster care system, and your financial aid qualifications.
 
5. I do not have ward of the court documentation? Will you accept anything else?
  We also accept letters from attorneys, CASA workers or other government agency that can prove your experience in foster care. We will also accept your emancipation documents.
 
6. Where do I get my ward of the court documentation?
  County social workers, or Independent Living Skills Programs (ILP/ILSP) can often verify your foster care status and provide you a letter.
 
7. How many GSP students are you accepting this year?
  Each year our admissions numbers are dependent on the space available. Our goal is to accept approximately 10 students each year, with a maximum of 60 students in the program. We encourage you to apply to more than one campus with support programs. You can find a list of other campus with former foster youth support at
http://www.cacollegepathways.org/
 
8. Your website says you provide year round housing, does that mean GSP pays for all of my housing costs?
  No. Unfortunately GSP is not able to pay student's housing costs. GSP is able to secure apartment style campus housing to stay on campus year round. Our GSP team works closely with students' financial aid package, but housing obligations are the students' responsibility.
 
9. What happens if I do not get accepted to SF STATE?
  Because of the impacted status of SF STATE, EOP and GSP are not able to offer you admissions if SF STATE has denied you. We would encourage you to begin your academic journey at a CA community college and reapply to SF STATE, EOP and GSP as a transfer student after you have achieved 60 transferable units.
 
10. I am a current SF STATE student, but just learned about GSP. Can I still apply?
  If you are currently an admitted EOP student, yes you can still apply to GSP. Unfortunately all GSP applicants must be EOP students. EOP only accepts applications when you apply to the University.
 
11. I do not want to be a part of GSP, but still need some support. What can I do?
  EOP is able to offer a number of academic supports to students to promote academic achievement. GSP is also proud to offer all former foster youth Early Priority Registration (EPR) to help you gain access to the classes you need. CA AB 1393 also provides all former foster youth with priority for on campus housing spots.
 
12. What if I do not get into GSP? Does SF STATE have any other support programs?
  Be sure to apply to EOP. EOP is able to offer a number of academic supports to students to promote academic achievement. GSP is also proud to offer all former foster youth Early Priority Registration (EPR) to help you gain access to the classes you need. CA AB 1393 also provides all former foster youth with priority for on campus housing spots. You also have the option to reapply to GSP next year.