“…we have a moral responsibility to prepare young people leaving foster care for their journey into adulthood. Our communities must commit themselves to a common goal of helping these young people to become whole adults who can fulfill their potential and build bright and promising futures."
— Former President Jimmy Carter
Mission
Promise Scholars is committed to the success of students who are or were in foster care to complete their educational goals. Promise Scholars offers a sense of community by providing academic, financial, social, and spiritual support and a place where students can flourish.
Eligibility and Application
Any student attending Fresno Pacific University who is currently or has been in foster care or identifies as an unaccompanied homeless youth and/or other independent youth (as verified by Student Financial Services) may be eligible. If you would like to apply to be part of the Promise Scholars community and get regular communication about our scholarships, services, and events, simply complete this short application.
Program Benefits
- Dedicated program and campus staff
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Academic advising
- Access to emergency funds
- Program events & activities
- Access to year-round housing & food
- Referrals to campus & community resources
- Access to counseling services
Support Team
Promise Scholars has a team to support your educational journey while at Fresno Pacific University. Your support team consists of liaisons across all campuses who are ready to assist you with a wide range of services. Please feel free to reach out to any of the Promise Scholars support team with questions or concerns. We are here to help you succeed!
All Campuses
-
Cyinna Drotos – Program CoordinatorAssistant Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
cyinna.drotos@fresno.edu
(559)453-2074
Mariah Cushing, Ph.D. - Staff Mentor
*Former Foster Youth
Program Director, Lilly Pathways &
Admin Assist to the Dean/VP of Seminary
mariah.cushing@fresno.edu
(559)453-7133
Kizzy Lopez, Ed.D. - Faculty Mentor*Former Foster Youth
Assistant Professor, Social Work
kizzy.lopez@fresno.edu
(559)453-7844 Main Campus
-
Marcela Gonzalez – Financial AidStudent Financial Services Advisor
marcela.gonzalez@fresno.edu
(559)453-5519
Brianna Martinez – Academic SuccessStudent Success & Equity Specialist
brianna.martinez@fresno.edu
(559)453-3646
Taylor Starks – Spiritual Formation & Sunbird Food PantryAssistant Director of Spiritual Formation
taylor.starks@fresno.edu
(559)453-5547
Aubree Wright – Career DevelopmentCareer Counselor
aubree.wright@fresno.edu
(559)453-7161
Maddie Saephan – Career DevelopmentCareer Counselor
madeleine.saephan@fresno.edu
(559)453-7157
Savannah Richey – CounselingCoordinator of University Service, On-site Counseling Center
savannah.richey@fresno.edu
(559)453-8023
Tyjuan Gibson – On-campus HousingDirector of Residence Life & Housing
tyjuan.gibson@fresno.edu
(559)453-5571
Regional Campuses
Visalia
Jared McCoyAssistant Director for Operations, Visalia
jared.mccoy@fresno.edu
(559)302-4109North Fresno
Leonard AbbottAssistant Director for Operations, North Fresno
leonard.abbott@fresno.edu
(559)573-7822Merced
Salvador MejiaAssistant Director for Operations, Outreach, & Recruitment, Merced
salvador.mejia@fresno.edu
(209)354-5814Bakersfield
Misty GarciaAssistant Director for Operations, Outreach, & Recruitment
misty.garcia@fresno.edu
(661)617-4512
Angelica Garcia-MaldonadoOperations, Outreach, & Recruitment Specialist
angelica.garcia@fresno.edu
(661)617-4513
Resources
Campus Resources
- University Admissions
- Scholarships
- Career Development Center
- Student Financial Services
- Campus Housing & Meals
- On-Site Counseling
- Sunbird Food Pantry
- Academic Success Center (Study Spaces, Academic Coaching, and Tutoring)
- Disability Access & Education
- Health Services
- Office of Diversity & Spiritual Formation
- Bookstore
- Hiebert Library
Scholarships and Financial Assistance for College
- Chafee Grant
- Fostering Educational Opportunities Foundation ((Scholarships)
- Foster Care to Success (Scholarships)
- Horatio Alger Scholarship
- Independent Living Program County List
- UmpsCare Scholarship
- NACHEY Scholarship
- National Foster Care Association Scholarship
- Transition Youth Services Scholarship
- School House Connection Scholarship
- More Ways to Pay for College
Other Resources