The Renaissance Scholars program, which helps former foster youth earn a college degree, has received a $100,000 grant from the Ludwick Family Foundation. The majority of the gift will be part of an endowment to help future students, and about a fourth will support current students.

Monique Allard, executive director of Student Support & Equity Programs, says the gift allows the program to continue holding special events and offer quality services that support the Renaissance Scholar community. It also helps students develop important life and leadership skills.

“Emancipated foster children are left to fend for themselves without the background and knowledge of what it’s like to be on their own,” says Sarah Ludwick. “The Renaissance Scholars program is exemplary in helping them access what can be there for them – to show them that they can be successful.”

Established by the Ludwick family in 1990, the Ludwick Family Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports an array charities in the United States. The Ludwicks are well known in the San Gabriel Valley for their humanitarian and business achievements.

“The foundation grant has been a tremendous help to the Renaissance Scholars program,” Allard says. “We might not be able to offer quality activities and events, which have such a positive impact on our students, without the generous support of the Ludwick Family Foundation,” Allard says.

The Renaissance Scholars program encourages academic and personal aspirations of motivated and talented students who come from the foster care system. The program kicks off the academic year with a fall welcome reception to get to know incoming freshmen and acknowledge donors and friends. Students receive welcome baskets and gift cards to purchase dorm essentials such as bedding and shower items.

During winter quarter, scholars attend a weekend retreat for leadership building, career development, and to deepen their friendships with one another. In May, they celebrate the achievements of the graduating students at an annual dinner reception. The program pays for the students’ graduation fees, cap and gown rental, and a gift of formal interview clothes and shoes.

For more information about Renaissance Scholars, visit http://dsa.cpp.edu/rs/.

(Top photo: The Renaissance Scholars program’s Class of 2010 pose for tehe camera. Bottom photo: Sarah Ludwick presents student with a gift during reception for Renaissance Scholars on Sept. 26, 2008.)

Cal Poly Pomona has embarked on a $150 million comprehensive fundraising campaign to ensure that a quality college education is within reach for future generations of students. The campaign will strengthen the university’s ability to provide a hands-on education, to prepare students for the changing demands of the workplace, and to increase research and scholarship opportunities. The fundraising campaign relies on the support of the entire campus community — from alumni to faculty and staff to friends of the university. For more information, visit http://campaign.cpp.edu/.