Ball State University’s Guardian Scholars Program, a program established in 2004 to help students in foster care navigate through college, has been awarded a Hometown Hero Grant by WLBC, owned by Woof Boom Radio.
“Woof Boom asks a selection committee [comprised of community members and employees] to evaluate the Hometown Hero Applications,” said Megan Orbin, coordinator of the Hometown Hero Grant, via email.
Applications are evaluated based on the relatability of their mission and their call to action which allows listeners to help a cause. All recipients are required to fit the values of the radio station, which include: to speak the truth, work with passion, and to do one’s best. The radio station is in its 10th year of grant-giving.
Ball State’s Guardian Scholars Program is in its 19th year of operation. During that time, the program has served 178 students who have experienced foster care and seen 41 through to graduation.
“The Guardian Scholars Program really excels at trying their best to meet the needs of the students in their program,” fourth-year Jake Warfel said.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found in 2011 that less than 5 percent of foster care students obtain a four-year college degree and only 2-6 percent obtain a two-year degree.
“[Students in Guardian Scholars] are largely navigating college life independently, without the support of an adult who has [pursued higher education] and can help them,” Program Manager Bria Zolman said. “My job is to be that person.”
Third-year Brian Zachary, who has been in the program since his first year at Ball State, is on a five-year plan to graduate in 2026 with a Bachelor’s Degree in architecture. Warfel, who has also been in the program since his first year at Ball State, is majoring in social work and will graduate next spring with a four-year degree, having been on the Dean’s List these past four semesters.
“The first semester of my freshman year didn’t go so hot. I was put on academic probation. It was a huge mess. Then, Bria stepped in…” Warfel said.
The pair had weekly coaching meetings during his freshman and sophomore years. During them, Zolman asked how Warfel was doing “not just academically—but as [an] individual.
“That says a lot about [how much] she cares,” Warfel said.
Zolman, who took over the program during Warfel’s second semester in mid-2020, connects with students as early as high school during their application process. Those students are often battling some form of food and housing insecurities, mental health barriers, financial hardships, and/or relationship difficulties. She helps students combat those issues by being there for them, and ensuring that their basic needs are met. Zolman said the program is not just about academic success.
Zolman, who works “as an office of one” helps students “exhaust every effort” by making them aware of resources available both on campus and in the community, she said. She arranges everything from career seminars and study sessions to lifestyle skills workshops and special holiday celebrations to help her students succeed, yet Zolman said she does not consider the job itself to be exhausting.
“She’s amazing. I absolutely adore her. She’s always a helping hand with any aspect of college…and…personal life,” Zachary said.
He has taken advantage of the events and said that they are where students all come together as a program and can hang out and socialize.
On any typical day, Zolman’s office is full of snacks, hygiene products and household items—resources that are available to students because of the program's donors and monetary giving system.
“We have what we have because other people care about the program,” Zolman said.
Warfel connected the essential human need to belong with the desire to feel cared for and supported.
“The fact that we have so many wonderful [donors] who are willing to donate not only time—but resources, and money to our program—it just makes me feel amazing to know that they’re there—and that they care,” he said.
Donating is especially appreciated around the holiday season, as itemized goods will be sorted and packaged by Zolman to give to students over the extended holiday break in what she calls their “Winter Break Boxes.”
Zachary, who was adopted and works to build relationships as an RA (resident assistant) on campus said that students do not have to avoid higher education because of financial barriers or insecurities.
“I don’t want anyone to be discouraged—ever,” Zachary said. “There are a lot of programs like Guardian Scholars and foster care grants or financial grants available… One of the best experiences out there is college… It’s expensive, for sure… [but] it pays for itself. ”
Those looking to learn more about or donate to Ball State’s Guardian Scholars Program can do so by visiting their website, bsu.edu/gscholars, or by contacting gscholars@bsu.edu.
Contact Katherine Hill with comments at katherine.hill@bsu.edu.
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