Renaissance Scholars Program
RSP Application Process
The Renaissance Scholars Program supports incoming, transfer, continuing, and graduate students at Fresno State. Aspiring Renaissance Scholars must complete all of the application steps and adhere to the program guidelines. You may review eligibility details below.
Eligibility
Student must be admitted or enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate Fresno State student.
Student must be foster youth or former foster youth, or have experienced being a certified independent youth.
Student must qualify for “Independent Status” under the federal financial aid guidelines.
Application Steps
California State University, Fresno accepts applications through Cal State Apply.
Please contact us at renaissancescholars@mail.fresnostate.edu for any questions.
You will need a Ward of Court (WOC) or Foster Verification Letter to verify eligibility. If you do not have these, please request it from your county or Social Worker. Youth who are unable to obtain verification from their county can request verification from the Foster Care Ombudsperson’s office by calling 1-877-846-1602. You can also visit the California Foster Care Ombudsperson website to obtain your foster care verification document.
Other Acceptable Documents to Verify Eligibility
1. A copy of a juvenile dependency court document indicating foster care in the child
welfare system
2. Documentation from county social services confirming they were under the care of
the Department of Social Services
3. Independent Living Certification
4. McKinney-Vento Document
5. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determination Document
Students are required to schedule a "Get to Know You" Meeting with the RSP Staff. After completing the Renaissance Scholars Program application, our staff will reach out to you to schedule the meeting.
Learn, Integrate, Network, Connect (LINC) is our summer, residential program tailored to new applicants. The three-day program is designed to support the academic and personal transition process of incoming Renaissance Scholars at Fresno State.
Outcomes:
- Students will learn the importance of building community and maintaining positive relationships
- Students will have a better understanding about financial aid and the financial aid process
- Students will become familiar with campus resources
- Students will gain knowledge on time management and understanding college culture
- Student will gain understanding of cultural and individual difference and creating a safe environment for all students
- Students will conclude LINC feeling more connected with the program, staff and university
Helpful Definitions:
Foster Youth - A student is considered foster youth if at any time since birth the student was
under a foster care placement as a dependent of the court or ward of the court.
Certified Independent Youth - This includes any of the following:
Unaccompanied - You are/were a minor not living in the physical custody of your parent or guardian.
Homeless (McKinney-Vento) - You lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing, which includes living in shelters, transitional housing, motels or cars, or temporarily living with other people (i.e., “couch-surfing”). Including Migratory Youth living in the same circumstances described above.
Self-Supporting - You are/were a minor paying for your own living expenses, including fixed, regular and adequate housing.
Emancipated - You are/were a minor from ages 14 to 17 years who have legally become free from their parent's custody and control.