Ball State offers students who experienced foster care or have basic needs insecurity supportive programming through the Guardian Scholars and Independent Cardinals programs.
The Ball State Guardian Scholars is for you if you had an open DCS (Department of Child Services) case at or above the age of 13. The Guardian Scholars is a place of belonging and support for students who have experienced foster care. Within the Guardian Scholars, students are connected to peers who shared similar childhood experiences and a network of professionals trained to support their unique needs on campus. Through this program underrepresented, at-risk students experience equity and access to higher education at Ball State University.
For more information or to apply: http://www.bsu.edu/guardianscholars
If you are McKinney-Vento eligible, verified as an unaccompanied homeless youth, a student who qualifies as Independent on the FAFSA, or a student experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity we encourage you to connect with the Independent Cardinals program. The Independent Cardinals program will help you navigate your transition to college, connect you with important campus resources, and provide on-going academic support and student engagement opportunities.
You can learn more about this program and apply on their website: https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/dean-of-students/basic-needs-hub/unaccompanied-homeless-and-foster-youth
The Basic Needs Hub is a another value resource: https://www.bsu.edu/basicneeds