Launched in 2002, Renaissance Scholars (RS) is a comprehensive program dedicated to support the success of current and former foster youth attending Cal Poly Pomona. The program has expanded to provide RS Fostering Success Drop-in Services to undergraduate and graduate students. This innovative program draws its holistic service model from the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Casey Family Programs’ It’s My Life Framework for Youth Transitioning from Foster Care to Successful Adulthood. 
The program provides academic advising/coaching, priority registration, priority access to year-round housing, financial assistance (scholarships and emergency funding), peer mentoring, academic tutoring, class level success seminars, life skills workshops, educational enrichment events and community building activities for scholars and alumni.
Program Success
Renaissance Scholars has grown from serving 10 students with a targeted goal to serve 100 foster youth by fall 2024.
Alumni
137 Renaissance Scholars Graduates
52 Alumni who have completed or are pursuing an advanced degree
5 Alumni who have completed or are pursuing a doctoral degree
Current Scholars
10 Scholars projected to graduate
2 Scholars in the CPP Honors College
6 Scholars on President’s List
10 Scholars on Dean’s List
13 Scholars with a 3.0 GPA
16 Scholars live on campus
12 Scholars work on campus
8 Student parents
Join us in supporting RS Scholarships and community engagement for scholars and alumni.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:
“I feel like I belong here and can succeed in college. I’ve also learned that I am not alone, and I have gained a stronger sense of self confidence and motivation.”
- 1st Year Renaissance Scholar
"Renaissance Scholars gave me the support I needed when things were hard going through my transition from community college to university. It also helped me understand how important it is to build a support system at school, and I used those skills to transfer into building relationships outside of the program.”
- Transfer Renaissance Scholar
“Renaissance Scholars allowed me to see that I am more than the unfortunate circumstances I was born into, more than my trauma and mental illness. Through my years of being a Renaissance Scholar, I have learned I am worthy of love, a high-quality education, and high-quality care.”
- Renaissance Scholar Alumni
"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
Renaissance Scholars - Changes Lives!
