Launched in 2002, Cal Poly Pomona's Renaissance Scholars is a comprehensive support program located in the Division of Student Affairs that empowers former foster youth through higher education. The program enables former foster youth to attend one of the nation's finest universities and successfully complete a bachelor's degree. This innovative program draws on Cal Poly Pomona's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Casey Family Programs' It's My Life Framework for Transitioning Foster Youth.
The program provides former foster youth with critical educational resources and a supportive environment that is key in assisting them to obtain their bachelor’s degree. The program meets the needs of students by providing workshops, mentoring, tutoring, academic advising, life skills seminars, access to year-round housing, financial assistance, educational enrichment events and community building activities.
Since 2002, Renaissance Scholars has grown from serving 10 students to serving approximately 50 students annually. The program has graduated 88 scholars who have redefined who they are, broken the cycle of abuse or poverty, and have transformed their future.
“The guidance provided by Renaissance Scholars is essential to the survival of emancipated foster youth attending college. I believe that a program like this is important because it gives us the support and extra encouragement that we sometimes lack.”
- 3rd Year Renaissance Scholar
