Riverside City College’s Guardian Scholars Program Awarded Prestigious YESS–ILP Grant

Riverside City College (RCC) is proud to announce that its Guardian Scholars Program has been selected as a recipient of the 2025–2028 Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success—Independent Living Program (YESS–ILP) grant. The award totals $66,000 over three years, with $22,000 allocated annually to enhance support for current and former foster youth, ages 16 to 21.

Administered by the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) in partnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the YESS–ILP program is designed to help foster youth successfully transition into independent living by offering integrated support services, career training, and essential life skills. With this grant, RCC’s Guardian Scholars Program will expand its offerings to include more life skills trainings, workshops, and events in collaboration with local community organizations.

"This is a wonderful addition to the services we provide our students,” said Noemi Hernandez Alexander, Ph.D., Interim Dean of Student Services at RCC. “Receiving the YESS–ILP grant means we can continue to build a bridge of support that empowers foster youth beyond academics—it’s about helping them thrive in every area of life.”

The selection process for the YESS–ILP grant was highly competitive, and RCC’s proposal stood out among dozens of applications statewide. According to the FoundationCCC:

“Your proposal stood out among a highly competitive pool of applicants, and we are excited about the potential impact of your grant deliverables and activities. We believe your initiatives will greatly contribute to the goals of the YESS–ILP program.”

Interim Vice President of Student Services, Cruz-Soto, Ed.D., praised the Guardian Scholars team for their dedication and forward-thinking approach. “This award is a testament to the innovation and commitment of our student services division,” Cruz-Soto said. “It reflects RCC’s deep investment in equity and in the success of our foster youth. We look forward to the transformative impact this grant will make.”

The RCC Guardian Scholars Program provides comprehensive support to current and former foster youth enrolled at the college, offering services such as academic counseling, financial aid guidance, mental health resources, and now—thanks to the YESS–ILP grant—an even stronger foundation for independent living and long-term success.

RCC is honored to be among the institutions advancing the mission of the YESS–ILP program and remains committed to creating a campus where foster youth are empowered, connected, and prepared for their futures.