Webinar: Fresno State Foster Youth Information for High School Counselors

Presentation Goals 1.Provide an overview of Renaissance Scholars, including the program benefits and services. 2.Review eligibility requirements. 3.Provide information about the application process. 4.Review resources and legislation

Renaissance Scholars support ambitious, college- bound individuals, formerly in foster care and students with independent status. We are committed to providing a system of support and experiences that empowers students to grow into self sufficient adults and future leaders in the community. What is Renaissance Scholars?

Program History Dissatisfied with retention outcomes of foster youth at Fresno State, RS was developed to increase positive outcomes and improve the retention rate of former foster youth attending the institution. In fall 2008, with campus support Renaissance Scholars (RS) at Fresno State was founded under the auspice of the Educational Opportunity Program with financial support from the Walter S. Johnson Foundation, The California Wellness Foundation, and other generous donors.

85 Students Served OVER 90% year-to-year retention rate 70% of Alumni were accepted to Master’s or Doctorate programs Quick facts about Renaissance Scholars Almost

Program Benefits

The Transition to College Secure housing, access to financial resources, medical treatment, and a network of support are common challenges students face when transitioning out of foster care and into college. Renaissance Scholars offers….

Access to Year-Round Housing Renaissance Scholars has partnered with campus housing to provide dedicated bed-space and fee deferments for application costs. Make campus Home.

Eligible for a renewable semester stipend Eligible for a paid summer internship Eligible to access Renaissance Emergency Funds Eligible to request funding for Educational Related Activities Financial Opportunities

Access to Emergency Funds Students are provided opportunities to access program funds to pay for unexpected or emergency expenses. Emergency funds can be used for: doctor visits, food, glasses, child care, bills, rent and etc (if approved by committee).

Paid Internships Renaissance Scholars offers paid summer internships to students. Internships give students an opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable professional experience in their field of study.

Academic and Personal Counseling Renaissance Scholars students receive academic advising and personal counseling from program staff.

Leadership Activities Service-Learning Activities Thanksgiving & Holiday Dinners End of Year Celebration Student Recognition Ceremony Community Building Activities Summer Transitional Program Scholar Activities

Renaissance Scholars Former Foster Youth & Other Independent Youth At Fresno State Renaissance Scholars Services Access to Renaissance Scholars staff Priority registration Academic advising & monitoring Dedicated housing & fee deferment with University Courtyard (year-round) Financial aid assistance Social activities and group events Laptop and book lending services Access to emergency funds Summer Transitional Program Leadership Opportunities Renaissance Scholarship Access to paid internships Access to campus liaisons Student advocacy Career planning and assistance Mentoring opportunities Individual and group counseling 3 unit University Orientation Class

Renaissance Scholars also connects you with: Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Career Services CenterUniversity Courtyard (Housing) Health & Psychological Services Services for Student with Disabilities Summer Bridge Academic Advising Tutoring Services Financial Aid And much more…

More about Renaissance Scholars & the application process

How to Apply/ Eligibility Be an independent youth (as qualified under federal financial aid guidelines) however, priority consideration is given foster youth Demonstrate high motivation and academic potential Admitted to the university Classified as a California resident by Office of Admissions * Note: Students admitted to EOP will have priority consideration for Renaissance Scholars Program at:

What type of student is RS looking for? How many student will be accepted... Renaissance Scholars selects approximately students each year. We are looking for students who are: Committed to aggressively pursuing a 4-year degree Highly engaged in program Interested in giving back to the campus and community Demonstrates need for program services

RS Application Process Complete RS application by January 31 st (3 page application) Documentation of independent status with application Participate in the RS Information Session (in person or online) Schedule an Interview Mid-March applicants will be notified of acceptance status Must attend Summer LINC Program

Documentation of Independent Status Foster youth – letter on county head or foster agency letterhead Legal Guardian – documentation from the court Orphan – parents death’s certificate(s) Homeless – Letter from homeless shelter If students need assistance with verification, they can contact the Renaissance Scholars office and we can assist to the best of our ability

LINC – Summer Transitional Program Learn. Integrate. Network. Connect. A 4-5 day residential program that focuses on academic and independent living skills, provides campus and community resources, while connecting students and staff. No cost to students.

Program Requirements & Expectations If admitted to RS, students are expected to do the following: Meet regularly with RS staff throughout the semester Meet with an academic or major advisor each semester Participate in Service-Learning Activity each semester Submit a semester budget Freshmen must enroll in University 1 (specific to RS) Submit 3 year (transfer) or 5 year (freshman) graduation plan

Chafee Grant Foster Youth may qualify for up to $5,000 a year grant for career and technical training or college. Chafee grant can help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. Must apply online at

Noteworthy Legislation AB194-requires the CSU and California community colleges, and requests the UC to grant priority registration to any current or former foster youth. AB 1393-requires the California State University, and requests the California Community Colleges and the University of California to give priority for student housing to current and former foster youth. AB 12 – extends foster care for youth up to the age of 21 years old. Foster youth are eligible for extended services, resources and monthly financial assistance. More info: implementation

Contact Information: Phone: (559) Website: