Julian, a Cal State San Marcos social sciences major who's graduating this week, grew up in Los Angeles. The youngest of six siblings, she dealt with surroundings that proved challenging. She said one of her sisters became addicted to drugs when Julian was young, and a brother got involved with gangs and was in and out of juvenile hall.

Julian said her father was an abusive alcoholic and that her parents divorced when she was 2 years old. Her mother worked nights at a hospital as a nursing assistant, and her oldest brother was often responsible for taking care of her and her siblings as best he could.

But Julian doesn’t have much memory of her siblings because when she was only 6, she and her next-oldest sister were placed in foster care. They previously had been in kinship care with their maternal grandmother, who lived across the street. However, they were put in foster care after often returning to their mother’s house, where they were not allowed to be because their mother’s new boyfriend had been accused of molesting one of Julian’s siblings. 

“A lot of my childhood was just surviving,” Julian said.

Julian moved 11 times during her 13 years in foster care, making it difficult to create a solid group of friends. In eighth grade, she attended one school for only 20 days, but those 20 days marked an important milestone for her. It was at that school that she tested into honors classes, which allowed her to take AP classes when she entered high school.

After graduating from high school, Julian was accepted into the Guardian Scholars program, which helps former foster youth pursue higher education. Though the scholarship helped her afford college, the overall experience proved traumatizing.

Julian was sexually assaulted at both her initial college and another college where she transferred after the first incident. Both times, she said, her feelings were never prioritized. She said she wasn’t believed the first time and the second time she was only asked if she was pregnant.

The assaults led to a challenging period. Julian couch surfed with friends until she eventually had to move back with her biological mother because she had nowhere else to go. That, too, was traumatic as Julian contended with learning that she had been molested as a child, which she said subconsciously contributed to many of the issues she experienced as a young adult.

To make matters worse, Julian also experienced an ectopic pregnancy that left her fighting for her life in the hospital, with only one of her foster parents around to support her.

Julian recovered and worked countless jobs just trying to survive without a support system. She ended up marrying a man she hoped could provide her with stability and love, but the relationship was both physically and verbally abusive.

It continued until one day Julian knew she needed to make a change.

“I just remember thinking, ‘I don’t deserve this. I’ve worked so hard and I know I am worth more than this,’ ” she said.

After a gap of almost 20 years since she’d been in college, Julian enrolled at Irvine Valley College during the pandemic. She earned an associate degree and transferred to CSUSM in 2024 to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

During orientation at CSUSM, Julian was unsure if she had made the right choice to pursue a degree in social sciences, as she originally went to college for psychology. But seeing sociology professor Matthew Atherton made all the difference.

“When I saw Dr. Atherton’s bright smile, he made me feel like I made the right choice,” Julian said.

It wasn’t just the encouragement of professors that made her time at CSUSM special. It was also the support she received from ACE Scholars Services when she needed it most. Being in her 40s, Julian no longer qualified for financial support from ACE. However, she still loved having community support when she was going through tough times.

“ACE gave me a safe space to let out my feelings and vent about situations I was struggling with, where I may not have even been able to go to class if I held these thoughts in,” she said.

The comforting space that ACE Scholars cultivates for former foster care students has helped many students achieve the higher education goals they thought were unattainable.

Over the last 15 years, Julian met the man she is currently living with and helped him fight for custody of his two daughters. She continues to support the girls, as their biological mother was not part of their upbringing. They are 18 and 20 now, and Julian has made it her top priority to give them the life she wishes she had.

“I never thought I would be a mom because I was afraid I would transfer all the trauma that I went through onto my children,” Julian said, “But it was actually the opposite. I took everything that I didn't like from my childhood and promised I would never be that type of parent.”

So, as Julian completes her finals, writes her last papers and orders her cap and gown for graduation, she is reminded of how much of a role model she has been for her daughters. She has worked to show them that, even when life seems like it has turned against you, you can always make it through.

Julian is applying to get her master’s in education counseling at San Diego State University and hopes to continue her passion for inspiring students, especially foster students, to achieve higher education.

“Foster care children come from a place where they just need a little more help to believe in themselves,” she said. “And I hope to one day be the support for those students.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Alexus was in and out of the foster care system from the time she was 2 years old. She has lived in countless states and attended 17 different schools. However, with the help of Cal State San Marcos’ ACE Scholars Services program, she is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in dance.

“ACE has had a really big impact on me,” Alexus said, “and for that I'm very grateful.”

Alexus always knew she wanted to pursue higher education because she believed it would help her avoid the challenges that her mother faced.

Pregnant at 15 years old, Alexus’ mother struggled to raise a child. After her mom was kicked out of Alexus’ grandmother’s house, Alexus was sent to New York to live with her great-grandfather. Her mother booked a return flight to California, and Alexus’ childhood was on a new course.

Growing up, Alexus experienced the hardships of persistent custody battles and court-mandated counseling therapy. She was constantly moving among different households and family members.

Alexus is 29 years old and the oldest of six siblings (the youngest is 15). She was 16 when her siblings entered the foster care system for the first time. She hoped to shield them from the reality of foster care.

But Alexus and her siblings were apart for almost a year, which was one of the hardest times of her life. Alexus and her siblings have always had a strong bond, celebrating every holiday together at their grandparents’ house as children.

“I love my siblings, and I just want to be the best big sister they could have. If they ever need anything, they can call me,” Alexus said.

As complicated as Alexus’ life was, additional struggles began to arise when she became an adult. After she moved out of her mom’s house at 19, trying to complete her degree while managing two jobs to afford her rent became a strenuous task.

Alexus was attending Riverside Community College when she learned about ACE Scholars Services. It’s a program that would soon change her life for the better.

ACE Scholars Services helps former foster youth pursue higher education by providing services and support systems. ACE knows that helping foster youth earn a degree provides them with the tools and self-determination they need to succeed in life. That has been the case for Alexus.

Alexus worked the overnight shift at the Ontario airport, ending her shift at 7 a.m., then driving from Rancho Cucamonga for her hour-plus commute to campus. When she hadn’t slept all night, ACE provided her a space to get rest during the day. When she didn’t have enough money to afford food or school supplies, ACE was there. When her car broke down, ACE was there.  

In October 2024, Alexus lost her job and was evicted, marking the start of a difficult time. But ACE was once again there to help.

“The support that I get from ACE, everything that I've been able to get through in my life is because ACE has always helped me, especially Leigh,” Alexus said.

Leigh Quijada has been the director of ACE Scholars Services for the last two years after previously working with the program for 13 years as a counselor. She has played a huge role in Alexus’ life by not only guiding her but helping her get through every obstacle she has faced. “Persistent” and “resilient” are the two words Quijada uses to describe Alexus.

“I think Alexus might be the only student I’ve had who has been through it all and overcome everything," Quijada said.

Quijada has been there for Alexus since the start of her journey at CSUSM and has watched her grow. When Alexus was put on academic probation last year because she had to prioritize going to work to pay her bills over attending class, Quijada did everything in her power to help Alexus get re-enrolled.

“She is probably one of the biggest people in my life,” Alexus said. “I wouldn’t be getting my bachelor's without Leigh; she’s definitely my rock.”

After the difficult years Alexus endured as a foster child, she is graduating this winter and moving to Texas to begin a master’s program in kinesiology. She has played sports since she was young and hopes to continue her love for that field as an athletic trainer for professional athletes.

“People don't know what I've been through to get to this point,” Alexus said. “It's going to be a very big accomplishment.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

A sociology major, Hawkins began her college journey at Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to CSUSM where she was part of ACE, which supports former foster youth. However, Hawkins withdrew from CSUSM in 2017 feeling like she wasn’t ready and it was too much to handle. 

But in 2022, she was inspired to return by her 3-year-old son, Zion. 

“When I had my son, I was like, ‘No, I have to go back to where I started,’ ” Hawkins said. “I have to go back to my goals and I need my son to see that I can graduate. I need to have a career that I know I want, so I decided to buckle down and bear through the hardships.”

Hawkins was born into foster care and remained in the system until she was 18. Much about her past remained unknown to her. For example, she recently found her biological mom and nine siblings. 

Being in foster care put Hawkins through plenty of ups and downs. 

“I actually got a placement when I was 7 that was pretty stable so I was in that home for a long time,” Hawkins said. “However, there were a lot of things that went on inside that home that no one knew about, not even the social workers that came in. It was hidden. Social workers have a lot on their plate, and so growing up, I just knew that I wanted somebody to pay attention.”

Hawkins plans to be the person who pays attention toward people with stories like hers. She understood from a young age that school was the way out of the system, and the way to open a better future for herself and others.

“I didn't know what the next steps looked like for me when I turned 18,” said Hawkins, “but I knew I wanted somewhere stable to live. My goal was to finish high school and then go live at college. It didn't work out that way, but I think that one of my main motives to go to college was stable housing, because that was the only thing I knew would make me stable.”

Hawkins had almost no choice to attend school, and no choice to do so on her own timeline. 

“On graduation day in high school, I went home and my bags were packed outside of the house,” Hawkins said. “So it was ‘go time.’ I had no choice but to sink or swim. I was just trying to go to school and be stable. I didn't know I would graduate.”

When Hawkins, a first-generation student, reapplied to CSUSM after her son was born, Quijada was the first person to reach out to her, leaving Hawkins in shock.

“Leigh has been following me since day one, just walking with me. So I'm so grateful for that.” Hawkins said. “I didn't even know I still qualified. I'm older, so I didn't know I still qualified for the services. They were like, ‘No, once in ACE, always in ACE.’ ” 

This support from Quijada and Laurie Orr, an ACE counselor, helped give Hawkins the extra support and push to graduate this fall. 

Hawkins works as a social worker assistant in Riverside County, and her graduation this fall will open the opportunity for her to become a full-time social worker. Eventually, Hawkins’ goal is to open her own nonprofit helping foster youth. 

Specifically, she wants to help those who are about to age out of the system.  

“I remember that when I turned 16 in foster care it's when your wheels start spinning and you realize you’re going to be 18 in two years,” Hawkins said. “You don’t know where you’re gonna go. You don't have solid advice or people to help you. 

“So I would want to start with helping kids who are about to be former foster youth, and then help transitioning and former foster youth as well.”

Although Hawkins has gone through challenges, she is determined to make her son proud. 

“He was the main motivator, because it seemed daunting, especially having to withdraw and the weight of it all just felt bad,” Hawkins said. “But I knew I had to go back, so I reapplied.”

Zion will be attending commencement on Dec. 15 and will grow up to recognize how big of an accomplishment graduation is for his mom. 

“I'm still in shock,” she said. “I'm graduating. It sounds crazy to me, I still haven't processed it all yet, but I know it's gonna mean a lot.

“I am so grateful for my village that has become family that have helped me along the way. I couldn't have done this with out their support as well as the support of ACE.” 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Despite her encouragement and his desire to pursue higher education, there was still the matter of preparing for the rigors of college as a first-generation student.

As Damien began applying to schools, he received an email that would change his path. It was from ACE Scholars Services, which supports former foster youth at Cal State San Marcos.

“ACE helped me ease into the college transition,” Damien said. “Back in Moreno Valley, my foster mom always told me I needed to go to college. But no one in the family went to college so no one knew how to prepare me. I knew what I needed to do grade-wise, but from that point it was ACE guiding me on the next steps.”

Damien completed those next steps, graduating from CSUSM in December with a bachelor’s in computer science.

“Damien is an inspiration,” said Jim Mickelson, the founder and director of ACE Scholars Services. “He had to face some incredible barriers to reach his goal, but he never wavered from his dream. His story is the story of CSUSM.”

Now Damien is preparing for a new adventure – a move to Tokyo where he will work as a front-end developer for Togo Securities.

Taking a beginning course in Japanese at CSUSM led Damien to spend a year studying abroad in Japan.

Damien immersed himself in Japanese culture while studying abroad, even choosing not to live in a dorm with other English speakers so he could better learn the nuances of the language.

The time he spent in Japan fueled a desire to return, and Damien continued to study Japanese when he returned to CSUSM, always with the plan to pursue his dream of moving there after graduation. But those dreams nearly were derailed two years ago after the death of his foster mother.

“I had no motivation to study and do schoolwork,” he said. “Even though I was seeing the counselor, grade-wise everything was dropping. Combined with what had happened, I thought I was going to have to drop out of school.”

Damien said Mickelson got him the help he needed so that he could continue working toward his degree.

“He knew something was wrong,” Damien said. “At the time, I didn’t want to talk to anyone, but I’m thankful for it now.

“I had no idea how much support I would get from ACE when I came to CSUSM. I thought I’d be able to come in and talk to them, but it went way deeper than that.”

Said Mickelson: “It has been a joy working with Damien. He is a special young man who will go far.”

Damien also credits computer science professor Rika Yoshii not only for helping in his studies, but also for providing valuable advice on landing a job in Japan. Damien, who worked in CSUSM’s Instructional & Information Technology Services department for most of his time at the University, said Yoshii recommended that he visit Boston for a job forum that includes numerous Japanese companies.

By the time he returned from the forum, Damien was receiving emails from Japanese recruiting companies attracted by his skill set.

As he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his life, Damien is grateful for his time at CSUSM.

“There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t make it,” he said. “I’m thankful I was able to get to this point.”

“I’ve explored every way possible to improve the quality of life for young people,” said founding director of ACE Scholars Services Jim Mickelson, who has tirelessly served as a child welfare social worker for over 40 years. “Through it all, I came to the belief that the one true thing that can best help challenged youth is education.”

Today, Cal State San Marcos serves more former foster youth per capita than any other university in the nation. The one-of-a-kind program is in a league of its own, carrying the reputation as the best program in the state of California in supporting former foster youth in their pursuit of higher education.

For 10 years ACE Scholars Services has blazed a path for foster youth through outreach, recruitment and guaranteed admission. But getting to college is only step one. Persistence is key, and it’s something ACE is mastering with an 86 percent retention rate, 30 points higher than the average college student and nearly 15 percent higher than similar support programs.

That success is attributed in part to academic and working scholarships, year-round housing support, study and social space in the Jan and Esther Stearns Center for ACE Scholars, and the dedication and support of three licensed social workers. Life skills workshops, leadership training, assistance with job placements and career coaching ensure success after graduation.

“Our students are rising above their pasts,” said Mickelson. “They are earning their degree and going on to graduate school, meaningful careers, life in public service, advocating for others, starting families and building lives that they were robbed of in childhood. Each one rising up against the odds.”

Since its inception, 52 ACE Scholars have earned their degree. Each one has their photograph hanging in the lobby of the Jan and Esther Stearns Center for ACE Scholars and all have heard the powerful ACE motto echoed throughout their time at CSUSM: “While others look at where you came from, we look at where you are going.”

“It is empowering to reclaim your future, and it’s that empowerment I felt everyday on this campus,” said Cassie Steppat, one of 10 ACE graduates in the Class of 2017. “I have grown, learned and prospered here. ACE Scholars Services has literally changed my life.”

Meet two graduates who are rising above the odds

Nastassja McDonald - Biological Sciences, 2012

Nastassja was a familiar face across campus by the time she graduated. Not only was she active in numerous campus organizations, but she became the first ACE Scholar featured as a student speaker at commencement. Nastassja continued her education at Michigan State University, earning her master’s in cell and molecular biology.

Today, she is a Life Science Specialist at VWR International and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Mikey, and their son, Gideon.

“At CSUSM, I was part of a close-knit community of people who were genuinely invested in my success,” she said. “ACE Scholars Services will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my support system during my time at CSUSM, and I never would have made it this far without their guidance.”

Henry Pennerman - Sociology, 2008

Henry was on the original advisory committee before the formation of ACE Scholars Services and became the first ACE Scholar to graduate. He worked at CSUSM while an undergrad and became a fulltime employee after earning his degree. He also earned his master’s in sociology at CSUSM. Today, he is a programming analyst at UC Irvine.

“My time at CSUSM and involvement with ACE Scholars Services were very formative experiences in my life,” he said. “Not only did it get me into my current career, but it also shaped my world view. I learned the importance of critical thinking and decision-making, invaluable skills such as resourcefulness and perseverance, and the importance of being a responsible, contributing and socially conscience member of my community.”

Read more about what ACE alumni are doing now at csusm.edu/ace

Country Star Shares Message of Hope

Country star, singer-songwriter and best- selling author Jimmy Wayne performed an intimate concert at CSUSM on April 5 and shared a powerful message of hope and perseverance. The signature event was part of the 10-year celebration of ACE Scholars Services.

Jimmy quickly rose to fame in 2008 with his No. 1 Billboard song, “Do You Believe Me Now.” But itis his candid memoir, “A Walk to Beautiful,” that has captured the hearts of millions as a two-time New York Times best seller. A masterful storyteller, Jimmy chronicles his rough childhood of being raised by a distressed mother, surrounded by drug addicts and violent nightly brawls, abused, hungry, abandoned on the side of the road, shuffled between relatives, detention centers and foster care, and eventually living alone on the street, in the woods and an abandoned trailer, all before turning 16.

His testimony and ceaseless advocacy for foster youth resonated deeply with the CSUSMaudience; many in attendance werecurrent or former foster youth who have walked a similar path in life, but like Jimmy,are persevering andfinding hope in their future.

Nastassja was a familiar face across campus by the time she graduated. Not only was she active in numerous campus organizations, but she became the first ACE Scholar featured as a student speaker at commencement. Nastassja continued her education at Michigan State University, earning her master’s in cell and molecular biology.

Today, she is a Life Science Specialist at VWR International and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Mikey, and their son, Gideon.

“At CSUSM, I was part of a close-knit community of people who were genuinely invested in my success,” she said. “ACE Scholars Services will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my support system during my time at CSUSM, and I never would have made it this far without their guidance.”

Henry Pennerman - Sociology, 2008

Henry was on the original advisory committee before the formation of ACE Scholars Services and became the first ACE Scholar to graduate. He worked at CSUSM while an undergrad and became a fulltime employee after earning his degree. He also earned his master’s in sociology at CSUSM. Today, he is a programming analyst at UC Irvine.

“My time at CSUSM and involvement with ACE Scholars Services were very formative experiences in my life,” he said. “Not only did it get me into my current career, but it also shaped my world view. I learned the importance of critical thinking and decision-making, invaluable skills such as resourcefulness and perseverance, and the importance of being a responsible, contributing and socially conscience member of my community.”

Read more about what ACE alumni are doing now at csusm.edu/ace

He spent most of his childhood being shuffled from foster home to foster home in the impoverished neighborhoods of southeastern San Diego, but today Aaron Acosta is being honored as an educational innovator for his work as a science, math and Spanish teacher thanks in no small part to the support he received at Cal State San Marcos and its ACE Scholars Services program that is transforming the futures of former foster youth.

“Cal State San Marcos gave me an opportunity, and because they gave me an opportunity and gave me support, I now have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many kids,” Acosta said.

Acosta was recognized by Teach for America as the winner of the Innovation in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award during San Diego’s Innovation in Education Awards on March 9 at the Central Library in Downtown San Diego.

“Mr. Acosta is a magnificent teacher,” said Fernando Hernandez, principal at Grace Perkins K-8 School in San Diego’s Barrio Logan. “He has an extraordinary ability to connect with his students. He has a deep and genuine respect for his kids, and they see that and return that respect.”

The award for Innovation in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion recognizes inspiring educators who utilize innovative practices to address diverse student needs. Those skills come in handy at Perkins, where approximately one of three students are homeless and nearly every student is poor enough to qualify for the free or reduced lunch program. More than half of Perkins students have limited English proficiency.

“I let my kids know that I’m there for them,” said Acosta, whose parents left Cuba during the Mariel boatlift of 1980. “I want to help provide some stability in their life. After we get that understanding, then we move on with the math and science lessons.”

Acosta’s students share many of the same traits he did as a child just trying to survive while moving from foster home to foster home from age 6 to 16. But despite poor grades and behavioral problems, Acosta held on to one dream: becoming a teacher.

“As a kid, I was a kind of a knucklehead and getting in trouble a lot, but one time, I was about 9 years old and in the fourth grade, and I was helping a classmate with his math,” Acosta said. “My teacher, Miss Chase, saw what I was doing and told me I would make a really good teacher. That was the first time someone said something positive about my academics. Ever since then, I wanted to be a teacher.”

First, he had to become a good student. And that didn’t happen until he somehow graduated from Madison High School and dropped out of community college twice.

“School and I were not best friends,” said Acosta, only half joking.

His turnaround came when his best friend convinced him to attend a sermon at the Rock Church in San Diego. It was there that he became a born-again Christian and met his future wife, Rachel, a student at the University of San Diego.

“She showed me how to write, how to organize my schedule,” Acosta said. “She taught me how to study, which at that time was a foreign concept to me.”

Acosta re-enrolled at San Diego Mesa College, then transferred to CSUSM in 2008. He worked nights at a Coca-Cola packaging plant and took on student loans to pay for his tuition.

As soon as he heard about CSUSM’s ACE Scholars Services, he signed up for the program that supports former foster youth by providing a variety of personalized services including academic advising, priority class registration, workshops and counseling.

“We provide them with whatever it takes to get them through college,” said Jim Mickelson, the program’s director. And it works. ACE scholars have an 86 percent retention rate.

“ACE Scholars had a tremendous impact,” Acosta said. “I had people who believed in me, who supported what I was doing, and who gave me the confidence that I could complete my educational journey.”

Acosta graduated in 2011 and quickly found a job as a substitute teacher at Naranca Elementary School in El Cajon. His first full-time teaching job came a year later at King-Chavez Preparatory Academy, a charter school in San Diego Unified School District. Standing in his classroom before students began filing in the first day has left an indelible impression.

“It was surreal,” he said. “After all the experiences that I had been through, foster homes, homelessness, I realized that this was why I was put here. This was my calling. It was so vivid. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

In the fall, the Stearns gifted $1 million to ACE Scholars Services – the largest donation in the program’s history – to establish the center, as well as an endowment that will provide ongoing support.

“Very few people really understand the circumstances of young people who have been in foster care – but CSUSM gets it,” said Esther Stearns, who became involved in the program five years ago after reading a news article about ACE in the U-T. Stearns and her wife are longtime advocates for foster youth and have three adopted foster children.

“We are moved and humbled to be part of this innovative program that is making a difference in the lives of former foster youth,” she added. “We think of all of the ACE Scholars as part of our family, and we are thrilled to partner with CSUSM to ensure that this good work continues for many generations to come.”

A New Home and a Stronger Future

Located off Tukwut Courtyard in Craven Hall suite 3400, the new center features a large study area outfitted with new computers, a state-of-the-art training room, program offices and a community resource office, as well as a spacious student lounge furnished by Jerome’s Furniture.

ACE currently serves 55 students. With the Stearns gift, CSUSM will have the capacity to grow the program to twice that size, serving up to 100 students.

More than 200 guests gathered in Tukwut Courtyard for the dedication of the new center. The occasion was an emotional moment for President Haynes, who fought back tears twice as she thanked the Stearns for their generosity and shared commitment to former foster youth.

“Cal State San Marcos is fortunate to have two community-minded heroes that share our appreciation for our ACE Scholars,” said Haynes. “We are so very proud to place their names on the Center’s wall and dedicate this new space in their honor.”

Blazing a Trail for Foster Youth

Founded in 2007, ACE Scholars Services—also known simply as ACE—is an on-campus, comprehensive resource program for former foster youth, meeting their unique needs and improving their rates of matriculation, graduation and career success. Working from a place of trust and understanding, ACE offers counseling and assistance on anything from housing to academic counseling, financial aid or admissions.

CSUSM is the only university that guarantees admission to foster youth and maintains two admission agreements with the Counties of San Diego and Riverside. This May, the program will have 37 alumni.

“When I began my presidency at CSUSM a little over a decade ago, I directed our efforts toward achieving an audacious goal – we would settle for nothing less than raising the educational attainment rate for our region,” said President Haynes in her remarks at the grand opening. “This meant actively reaching out to and serving populations for whom the dream of a college education remained out of reach. Today, we stand as a university that stands for these students.”

ACE Scholars Services serves more former foster youth per capita than any other university in the nation and prides itself on its high rate of student retention, which exceeds the national average by 30 points at 80 percent.

“From our hearts, we want to thank Jan and Esther Stearns for what they have done to build our new home on campus,” said ACE Scholar Karen Lopez, on behalf of her fellow scholars. “Without your help, devotion and support, many of us would not in the promising places in our lives that we are today.”

At the ceremony, ACE Scholars Services Director Jim Mickelson presented the Stearns with a symbolic lifelong key, which will hang in an honored place within the center.

“This key will serve as a reminder that this place that you helped build is as much your home as it is ours,” said Mickelson to the Stearns. “Because of you, future generations of ACE Scholars will find the gates of opportunity open to them at Cal State San Marcos.”

Special remarks will be given by President Karen Haynes, Jan and Esther Stearns, and ACE Scholars Services Director, Jim Mickelson.

Jan and Esther Stearns announced plans in the fall to donate $1 million gift to establish the new Center at CSUSM. Their gift provides support for Center operations and programs as well as establishes the ACE Scholars Services Endowment, providing support into perpetuity.

About the Center
Founded in 2007, ACE Scholars Services—also known simply as ACE—is the on-campus "home" to former foster youth, providing services that meet their unique needs and improve their rates of matriculation, graduation and career success. Working from a place of trust and understanding, ACE offers counseling or assistance on anything from housing to academic counseling, financial aid or admissions. CSUSM is the only university that guarantees admission to foster youth and maintains two admission agreements with the Counties of San Diego and Riverside.

Most notably, CSUSM’s ACE Scholars Services serves more former foster youth per capita than any other university in the nation and prides itself on its high rate of student retention, which exceeds the national average by 30 points at 80 percent.

When: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015
12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by refreshments and tours

Where: Tukwut Courtyard, Craven Hall (Third Floor)
CSUSM is located at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road in San Marcos
Complimentary parking and shuttle service is available in Lot B

The Stearns recognize that most foster youth want to go to college but have numerous barriers preventing them from successfully entering and graduating from an institution of higher learning. According to recent surveys, there are 500,000 foster youth currently living in the United States and approximately 4,000 of these young people are in CSUSM’s service region. Even though 70 percent of foster youth desire a college experience, most age out of the system only to find themselves ill-prepared and unsupported for success: 65 percent become homeless, 20 percent are arrested or incarcerated, and less than two percent graduate from college. Their gift will provide current use funds for Center operations and programs as well as establish the ACE Scholars Services Endowment, providing ongoing support into perpetuity.

"I have been especially impressed with CSUSM’s commitment to serving first-generation and underrepresented college students," said Esther Stearns, who is also a member of the University’s Foundation Board.

"People come here for opportunity. I’ve talked to students whose lives have been changed through education—and that change has a ripple effect that impacts their entire family and our community."

Founded in 2007, ACE Scholars Services—also known simply as ACE—is the on-campus "home" to former foster youth, providing services that meet their unique needs and improve their rates of matriculation, graduation and career success. Working from a place of trust and understanding, ACE offers guidance or assistance on anything from housing to academic counseling, financial aid and admissions. CSUSM is the only university that guarantees admission to foster youth and maintains two memorandums of understanding with the Counties of San Diego and Riverside. It is the largest program of its kind in the nation.

"The Stearns have generously supported ACE Scholars Services for many years, and this new gift continues and expands our ability to make a Cal State San Marcos education available to every talented, hard-working former foster youth in our region who desires it," said Jim Mickelson, founding director of ACE. "Their donation assures that the program will have a long and healthy future, impacting countless young people as they move beyond their past and earn their college degrees."

The Stearns recognize that most foster youth want to go to college but have numerous barriers preventing them from successfully entering and graduating from an institution of higher learning. According to recent surveys, there are 500,000 foster youth currently living in the United States and approximately 4,000 of these young people are in CSUSM’s service region. Even though 70 percent of foster youth desire a college experience, most age out of the system only to find themselves ill-prepared and unsupported for success: 65 percent become homeless, 20 percent are arrested or incarcerated, and less than two percent graduate from college.

“I have been especially impressed with CSUSM’s commitment to serving first-generation and underrepresented college students,” said Esther Stearns, who is also a member of the University’s Foundation Board. “People come here for opportunity. I’ve talked to students whose lives have been changed through education—and that change has a ripple effect that impacts their entire family and our community.”

Founded in 2007, ACE Scholars Services—also known simply as ACE—is the on-campus "home" to former foster youth, providing services that meet their unique needs and improve their rates of matriculation, graduation and career success. Working from a place of trust and understanding, ACE offers counseling or assistance on anything from housing to academic counseling, financial aid or admissions. CSUSM is the only university that guarantees admission to foster youth and maintains two Memorandums of Understanding with the Counties of San Diego and Riverside.

“The Stearns have generously supported ACE Scholars Services for many years, and this new gift continues and expands our ability to make a Cal State San Marcos education available to every talented, hard-working former foster youth in our region who desires it,” said Jim Mickelson, founding director of ACE. “Their donation assures that the program will have a long and healthy future, impacting countless young people as they move beyond their past and into their bright future.”

Futures Made Possible

Among the students positively impacted by ACE Scholars is Brittany Forester, who recently earned her bachelor's degree in Human Development. Brittany was eight years old when she entered foster care. In and out of more homes than she can count, her resilient spirit kept her determined, inspiring in her a desire to change the foster care experience. While earning her degree at CSUSM, she applied her studies working with at-risk youth at North County Lifeline, a local not-for-profit. When unexpected medical expenses nearly halted her educational dreams, the support of CSUSM's ACE Scholars Services and the help of generous scholarships kept her in school.

In May, Brittany became the first in her family to earn a bachelor's degree. This fall she will begin the Master of Social Work program and take her next step toward her goal of becoming a legislative advocate for foster youth and neglected children. Watch the video below to learn more about her story...

A One-of-a-Kind Program

Thanks to the efforts of ACE, 88 percent of former foster youth at CSUSM go on to graduate, far exceeding the national average of only 50 percent. Over the last seven years, the number of students served annually has grown from nine to nearly 60, making CSUSM the university with the highest number of former foster youth per capita of any other in the United States.

“We are proud to support the efforts of Cal State San Marcos, particularly when those efforts make such a profound impact,” said Jan Stearns. “Students in the ACE Scholars program inspire us with their hard work and determination and we are glad that we can be a small part of their success.”

“We are grateful for the Stearns’ friendship and their commitment to helping our students succeed,” Cal State San Marcos President Karen Haynes said. “With their support, we are fulfilling our goal of raising the educational attainment rate of our region. The Jan and Esther Stearns Center for ACE Scholars is an important part of our culture of inclusiveness as we work to ensure that the most educationally at risk have the knowledge, skills and support that they need to graduate from college, lead meaningful lives and meet our region’s workforce needs.”

A special ceremony will be held in early spring 2015 to officially dedicate The Jan and Esther Stearns Center for ACE Scholars and recognize the Stearns’ philanthropy.

For more information on ACE Scholars Services at CSUSM, visit: www.csusm.edu/ace