For over 30 years, Orangewood Children's Foundation has improved the lives of children throughout Orange County, California. Every year, the county handles more than 35,000 reports of child abuse, and it removes thousands of children from their homes and places them in foster care. Orangewood Children’s Foundation seeks to ease the difficulties faced by youths who are wards of the county or the state. Its endeavors include transitional programs for emancipated youths, the Orangewood Children and Family Center, peer counselors, and job placement.
Since 1998, Orangewood Children's Foundation has bolstered its mission through the Guardian Scholars Program. Developed with California State University at Fullerton, this initiative aids former foster children who are looking to expand their education with college or vocational schooling. The Guardian Scholars Program unites the public and private sector in providing youths with resources that enable them to live independently. Participants in the program receive assistance with jobs, housing, and financial aid, as well as mentoring and tutoring. Additionally, Orange County dependents can apply for a $5,000 scholarship at one of the Guardian Scholars Program's nearly 20 partner schools.