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 any of the following: foster youth, former foster youth, McKinney-Vento, Unccompanied Homeless.
Student must qualify for “Independent Status” under the federal financial aid guidelines.
Application Steps
California State University, Fresno accepts applications through Cal State Apply.
Spring 2026 Renaissance Scholars Program Application
Fall 2026 Renaissance Scholars Program Application
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 any time since birth the student was under a foster care placement as a dependent of the court or ward of the court.
McKinney-Vento - means lacking 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].
Unaccompanied Homeless - child or youth who is experiencing homelessness and who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian