Fresno State wins major donation to help students experiencing homelessness, foster care

A $1 million endowment from a pair of Fresno philanthropists will help Fresno State students who have experienced foster care and homelessness, the university announced Monday.

The money will help fund the Renaissance Scholars program, established in 2008 to help at-risk students with admission assistance, counseling, and mentoring.

The donation comes from Melodie Rogers, whose husband, George, a Fresno State alum, founded and owned the Fresno-based national staffing agency PrideStaff. George Rogers died in February.

The George and Melodie Rogers Foundation Renaissance Scholars Summer Internship Program Endowment will reinstate a summer internship program that was discontinued in 2015 due to lack of funds, the university said in a news release.

Each student will earn a $2,400 stipend for hours dedicated to their internship and meet with professional mentors throughout their participation in the program.

The year-to-year retention rate for Renaissance Scholars is 77%, and over 60% of graduates have gone on to pursue masters or doctoral degrees, according to the university. The graduation rate is 53%, above the national average for former foster youth.

“Demonstrating a heart for the program’s work, George and Melodie have been generous donors previously,” the university said in its news release. “With this latest gift honoring her husband, Melodie sees this as a continuation of their life’s work and a way to have a direct, positive impact on the lives and academic success of Renaissance Scholars.”

President Saul Jiménez-Sandoval said the donation would create a world of opportunities for the scholars.

“The experience our students will receive through these internships represents a unique opportunity of growth and belonging; exactly what they need to become the next generation of leaders.”

Fairmont Farm and Ag Complex receives $1 million in donations, pledges

Fresno State isn’t the only local school celebrating a recent $1 million donation.

Fairmont Elementary School is $1 million closer to obtaining a new state-of-the-art Fairmont Farm and Ag Complex.

The money is part of a campaign by Grow the Legacy to raise $5 million over the next five years to build an ag complex at the school. The first $1 million raised will fuel the project’s kick-off.

“I am literally overwhelmed by the generosity and passion our donors are displaying in helping us to take this first step,” Fairmont Principal Jared Savage said.

The complex will be completed in three phases, each devoted to a particular science discipline.

The Plant Science Workshop will focus on agricultural businesses. Through a farm-to-table model, students will create meal kits containing fresh produce, which they will plant, harvest, and package.

The second phase is the Animal Science Barn, where students will learn more about animal health, handling, and safety. Students will also learn about animal products, selection, and marketing.

The final phase will include the Water, Energy & Technology Lab, Innovation Lab.

Through the WET lab, students will seek solutions and innovative approaches to water conservation and renewable energy. Through the innovation lab, students will focus on robotic challenges.

The building that will house all three phases will be located on two acres of land immediately adjacent to the school.

“Fairmont is paving the way for a successful K-8 Agricultural Education model, with a comprehensive curriculum meeting next-generation science standards already in place,” Savage said.

This story was originally published November 15, 2021 at 1:18 PM.