Renaissance Scholars

Fresno State faculty and staff are committed to your personal, educational, and professional growth. Here is a recap of some of the departments on campus that can support foster-youth students:

• Renaissance Scholars Program – The Renaissance Scholars Program was established in 2008 to serve Fresno State undergraduate and graduate students who have experienced foster care and students who are certified independent youth. It offers academic advising through one-on-one meetings with counselors and peer mentors, personal development opportunities through workshops and guest speakers, and financial assistance for eligible students in good standing, including emergency funds and educational-related support. The program also provides networking opportunities through events, community service, and student involvement, helping to build strong relationships with peers, staff, alumni, and community supporters. Additionally, essential needs such as hygiene products, school supplies, and household items are made available to participants.
• Fresno State Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) – The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) aims to support students who face historical, economic, or educational disadvantages, including students who were in the foster care system.
• TRIO Program – The TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSSP) offers academic assistance, financial aid education, and graduate school preparation to help undergraduates succeed in retention and graduation. It is a federally funded TRIO program under the U.S. Department of Education and supports resilient those from low-income backgrounds.
• Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.

Housing and independent living can prove difficult and iffy at times for former-youth students. Here are local programs offering housing assistance specifically to former-youth.

• Fresno State Emergency Housing – The Fresno State Emergency Housing Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with temporary transitional housing if they are experiencing housing displacement or homelessness. Our goal is to ensure our students’ safety and provide them with adequate time to acquire permanent and secure housing. Placement is subject to space availability, individual student circumstances and funding.
• Transitional Housing Placement Program for Non-Minor Dependent – Transitional Housing Placement for Non-Minor Dependent, formerly known as THP+FC, was created by Assembly Bill (AB) 12. It provides housing placement options for non-minor dependents in Extended Foster Care. This placement option provides transitional housing and supportive services based on a Transitional Independent Living Plan.
• Independent Living Program (ILP) – The ILP provides training, services, and benefits to assist current and former foster youth in achieving self-sufficiency prior to, and after leaving, the foster care system.

As a foster-youth student, gaining relevant experience in your chosen field may present unique challenges. However, there are several ways you can develop the skills needed to become a knowledgeable, well-rounded, and competitive candidate in the workforce:

• Get involved on campus – Fresno State’s Student Involvement Center provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and develop specialized skills. Student clubs and campus programs are a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen career field, network with other students and professionals, and develop leadership skills necessary for career success!
• Volunteering, interning, and service learning – Even if it’s unpaid, volunteer and interning experience is a great way to build your resume and network. These experiences are opportunities to demonstrate your passion and work ethic and can help you develop the strong people skills needed in today’s job market. Fresno State’s Career Development Center can assist you with questions regarding internships; for more information on service learning, visit the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning – they even have opportunities for grant-funded service experiences via their Central Valley College Corps and Scholars in Service Program!
  • The Career Development Center oversees the Community Service Scholarship Program (CSSP), where eligible students can earn a $645, $1,290 or $1,935  scholarship depending on their circumstances. Contact the Career Development Center by phone at 559.278.2381 or by email at careers@csufresno.edu for more information.
• Engage with these community organizations:
  • CSU California State University Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) – The California State University Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CSU-LSAMP) Program is a comprehensive statewide project dedicated to increasing the number of students who have faced or faces social, educational or economic barriers graduating from campuses of the California State University with baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
  • California College Pathways – California College Pathways is a statewide partnership that provides resources and leadership to campuses and community organizations to help foster youth succeed at community colleges and four-year universities.
• Join professional associations and get certificated – Professional associations are industry and career-specific organizations that are fantastic opportunities for networking and continued education. Many professional associations host conferences where members can meet to discuss new practices and research, as well as publish newsletters, provide job boards, and host trainings for various certifications. Completing certifications beyond your degree will help you stand out from the crowd. Use CareerOneStop’s Professional Association Finder, or do a web search for “[your career] professional association” to find organizations that are right for you! CareerOneStop also has a Certification Finder tool that can help you explore common certifications by industry!
  
  ***NOTE: Some professional associations require annual payments (or dues) to become a member. Many of these associations offer student memberships at a discounted rate, so take advantage of that while you can!

Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.

Scholarships for Foster Youth Students

• California Chafee Grant For Foster Youth
• Cal Grant B for Foster Youth

Fresno state also offers a comprehensive list of hundreds of academic scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students at Fresno State. Since scholarships are offered by various colleges, departments, and organizations to students.