This Thursday, Friends of the Guardian Scholars will be hosting a fundraising event to raise money for 11 San Diego State Guardian Scholars.

Guardian Scholars are students who have been homeless, lived in foster care or have been under legal guardianship. Event proceeds will fund a business attire shopping trip for the students.

Finance junior Josh Morse overcame homelessness and a childhood in foster care and is now SDSU’s Associated Students president.

“It’s an amazing feeling  to be able to say you beat the odds,” Morse said. “You made it. You are no longer just another statistic—you are a success story.”

SDSU’s Guardian Scholars Program was founded in 2007.  Currently, 62 students are enrolled in the program.

“Their stories are testament to the powers of philanthropy and SDSU’s dedication for creating equal opportunity for all students to earn their college degrees,” Morse said.

Morse also said every time a former foster youth graduates, it shows anyone with a positive mindset and strong work ethic can earn a college degree.

The fundraiser will take place at the Cirello Gallery in North Park this Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. During the event, the Guardian Scholars will also have the opportunity to share their experiences with attendees.