SDSU and Alex Smith Foundation Kick-off Guardian Scholars Program

The event, which starts at 6 p.m. at The Ivy Hotel in downtown San Diego, will feature Antwone Fisher as guest of honor. Fisher, a well-known author and playwright, is a former foster child. Fisher, Smith and SDSU President Stephen Weber will speak during the program. Additionally, local government officials and sports figures will also be in attendance at the event.

The SDSU Guardian Scholars Program is a new program designed to assist foster youth in graduating from college. The scholarship program, funded by the Alex Smith Foundation, will provide participants with a five-year scholarship, year-round housing and extensive individual guidance and support. The program hopes to provide foster youth with the opportunity to change individual lives, realize true independence and reach their full potential.

The SDSU Guardian Scholars Program is being supervised by the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs, which is a part of Student Affairs. EOP oversees several academic retention programs for historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students at SDSU. The Guardian Scholars Program has also been instituted at other California State University campuses, including San Francisco State University and CSU Fullerton.

Highlights of the kick-off event include a hosted cocktail hour, along with both a live and silent auction. For more information on the event or to register, please visit www.alexsmithfoundation.org.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 81 areas, master's degrees in 73 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.