A new scholarship for first-generation students

The Fresno State Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its new scholarship program for first-generation students. This program, with a fund of $500,000, aims to support students who are the first in their family to pursue higher education.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, this initiative will award 50 scholarships of $10,000 each for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible candidates must demonstrate strong community engagement and a promising academic record.

"We firmly believe that education is the engine of social change," said Pénélope Da Costa-Samson, director of programs. "This scholarship represents a concrete opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and open doors to a better future."

Applications will be open from April 1 to June 30, 2025. Interested students can submit their applications through the dedicated portal on our website. A selection committee composed of foundation members and professors will evaluate each application.

Since its inception, the Fresno State Foundation has distributed over $2 million in scholarships and grants, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of students and families in the Fresno area.