Your Support Gave Me Hope and Motivation

Beautiena’s journey at Cal State Long Beach began with an acceptance email and an introduction to the Guardian Scholars program, which empowers former foster youth with tools and resources to excel academically and personally.

Participating in the program led her to a profound realization: “When you're in a room with people that have been through the same trauma, we realize that we're not alone … it made me who I am today,” she explained.

Cal State Long Beach donors have not only provided scholarships for Guardian Scholars but also helped foster a nurturing community for Beautiena and others in the program. Beautiena is a criminal justice major set to graduate in the fall of 2024.

“If it were not for [Beach donors], I would not be where I am in my academic career,” she said. “They gave me hope and motivation to continue.

“They made me think bigger than a B.A.,” Beautiena added. “I want to get a master's in public administration. That wouldn't have been possible if it had not been for the program. I wasn't thinking about going to grad school … until I went on a retreat that the Guardian Scholars offers. That opened my eyes even more to what I'm capable of doing.”

Beautiena's commitment is evident in her work at a law firm, where she applies a compassionate approach learned from the program, fulfilling her drive to effect positive change.

“It's a law firm that works with former foster youth that need help with education, guidance, advocacy work, housing … anything of that sort,” she said. “And I've learned a lot from the Guardian Scholars … they get involved, and I take that into my work. Every client that I come across, I make sure that they're okay.”

To explore how you transform the lives of students like Beautiena with the gift of financial support, hope and encouragement, visit our scholarships page or contact Planned Giving at (562) 985-6460 or plannedgiving@csulb.edu.