RSP Program Updates 2021-2022

PROGRAM UPDATES 2021-22

FROM THE TRUSTEES We are happy to share this Renaissance Scholars Program update for 2021-2022, our seventeenth year in operation.

Continued upgrading of our program management team has enabled controlled growth and the development of a scalable platform. Our volunteer community, which performs the vital task of reviewing applications, now numbers 39 and continues to grow. Thanks to our staff and volunteers we can increase the number of students we serve while maintaining program quality.

Seventeen years ago, and early into our Trusteeship of The Renaissance Foundation, we started the scholarship program for first-in-family college students with financial need, with eight students at Portland State University. With the invaluable help of Diana Hoff, the Foundation's administrative officer, we got to know them, learned their stories, and followed them through the trials and ultimate successes of their college careers. They were a revelation to us! Everything else sort of followed, as we moved more and more of our attention and resources to this program, so close to our hearts.

As you read the update, you shall see that the 2022-2023 enrolled scholars numbers over 880 students—110 times the number of that first group!

We are so proud of our scholars, and so grateful to our team of Callie, Charlotte, Katie, and of course Diana, our wonderful volunteers and our many partners.

Regards,

Stephanie Fowler

Irving Levin

Stephanie Fowler Irving Levin Trustees

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THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM THE SCHOLARSHIP The scholarship provides a maximum of $4,000 a year towards tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies, depending on each student’s individual financial need. The award may be used at any accredited, four-year college in the United States.

The scholarship is renewable for up to four years. Scholars are eligible for renewal if they maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, have continued financial need, and are enrolled full-time.

OUR SCHOLARS All scholars must meet rigorous standards: Will be first in their family to earn a bachelor's degree 3.0 GPA or higher High financial need Currently residing in Oregon or Illinois (or planning to attend a partner HBCU) Demonstrated strength of character and strong work ethic

SCHOLAR SUPPORT

PARTNERSHIPS RSP works closely with several mentoring organizations in Oregon and Chicago to ensure that scholars are supported beyond the scholarship funds they receive from the program.

RSP's first priority is encouraging scholars to connect with resources at their college.

However, we do provide a few RSP-specific resources. These include our online resource library, seasonal resource newsletter, virtual career panels featuring RSP alumni, and a few inperson social gatherings per year where scholars can meet one another, the Trustees, and RSP staff.

BEHIND THE SCENES RSP is outcome-focused. We carefully collect and analyze data and scholar feedback to refine the program. The program also has a dedicated team of volunteers that help select each new cohort.

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$3.2M

CURRENT SCHOLARS

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT IN 2022

MOST-ATTENDED COLLEGES

882 ENROLLED SCHOLARS*

Portland State University 116 enrolled scholars University of Oregon 98 enrolled scholars Oregon State University 67 enrolled scholars University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign 46 enrolled scholars University of Portland 34 enrolled scholars

85% SCHOLARS OF COLOR

Renaissance Scholars attend 179 unique colleges in 36 states.

MOST COMMON MAJORS Biology Nursing Computer Science Psychology Business

SCHOLARS SOURCED FROM Other** Oregon

SCHOLARS SELECTED AS Community College Transfer Student

15%

58%

15% Current College Freshman or Sophomore

27%

13% 72%

Illinois High School Senior

*"Enrolled scholars" includes all scholars in school (842), at community college (26), or on temporary academic break (14), including the new cohort of 2022-23. **Initially, our scholars were sourced through Oregon- and Chicago-based mentoring programs, and partner colleges. Over the years, that has expanded to include students in Oregon and Illinois unaffiliated with those programs as well. In 2021 as a test, we considered applicants from any state. The "Other" category includes the accepted scholars from this pool. (Without these scholars from outside our two initial states, the "Other" category would be 1%.) We ended this test after 2021 for new applicants and returned to our traditional applicant restrictions, but will continue to support those selected throughout their college careers, and will analyze results to reconsider our criteria in the future.

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IMPACT TO DATE 1,270

331

87%

$10.1M

SCHOLARS SUPPORTED

RENAISSANCE GRADUATES

6-YEAR GRADUATION RATE

INVESTED IN SCHOLARSHIPS

A NOTE ON GRADUATION Including those students who took more than six years to graduate, the "all-time" graduation rate is 89%.

Though not captured in the graduation rate, RSP also considers the possibility that some scholars from the early years of the program who stopped out later went back and completed their degrees. According to The Pell Institute, the national average graduation rate for first-generation, low-income students is 21%. We are especially proud of our scholars' success in the face of this enduring disadvantage.

400

NEW SCHOLARS SELECTED BY YEAR

356

300

205

200

211

140 112 100

20 05 20 06 20 0 20 7 08 20 09 20 10 20 11 20 12 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 20 19 20 20 20 2 20 1 22

0

The 2021 cohort is especially large due to the temporary change in eligibility criteria described in the second footnote on page 3.

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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING Each year, we survey RSP alumni to learn more about their college experience. We have consistently heard that they wish they had more support in academic success, financial wellness, career development, and finding mentors. This year, we are proud to offer several new resources to address these interests.

ONLINE RESOURCE LIBRARY The Resource Library is a hub of information where current scholars can find external and RSPcreated resources in four categories: 1. Academics 2. Finances 3. Career and Mentorship 4. Personal Development

RESOURCE NEWSLETTER Each quarterly newsletter contains upcoming deadlines, events, and resources which vary depending on scholars' grade level. The newsletter works in tandem with the Resource Library, directing scholars to relevant information.

VIRTUAL CAREER PANELS This spring, we hosted two virtual career panels: Finding Your First Job After Graduation Beginning a Career in Healthcare All panelists were RSP alumni who were able to share their experience and advice with current scholars.

IN-PERSON SOCIAL EVENTS This fall, we hosted our first in-person events since 2019. The RSP team traveled to Chicago, where we held a social event for Chicago-based scholars. A few weeks later, we hosted a brunch event in Portland for Oregon-based scholars.

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PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS In 2005, the Renaissance Scholars Program was founded in partnership with Portland State University.

Since then we have expanded, partnering with other organizations that promote college access and success.

In 2018, our expansion to Chicago was made possible by partnerships with Chicago Scholars, Cristo Rey Network, and College Possible.

Throughout the year, we work with our partners to support student progress on the scholarship application.

We know that the support scholars receive from their mentors in addition to the scholarship funding they receive from us work together to support them on their path to a bachelor's degree.

163

116

enrolled scholars

102

enrolled scholars

38

enrolled scholars

74

enrolled scholars

37

enrolled scholars

enrolled scholars

27

enrolled scholars

HBCU PROGRAM In 2020, in an effort to support more Black students with scholarships, RSP established partnerships with two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), North Carolina Central University and Stillman College. In 2021, we added a new HBCU partner, Elizabeth City State University. We have started small in this program to learn about particular needs, staff support, and scholar performance at these institutions, with the hope that we can scale our HBCU program.​ ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY Elizabeth City, NC | 2,003 undergrads 8 enrolled scholars NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY Durham, NC | 5,476 undergrads 8 enrolled scholars STILLMAN COLLEGE Tuscaloosa, AL | 699 undergrads 10 enrolled scholars

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THE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE The volunteer selection committee has always been an essential part of the Renaissance Scholars Program.

In the beginning, our volunteers were primarily staff of founding partner, Portland State University. As the program has grown and diversified, so has our selection committee.

Every year, new volunteers are trained to score applications and interview prospective scholars and returning volunteers participate in a training "refresher" to be updated on application improvements. Each application is read and scored by three different committee members to ensure a fair average score.

Finalists are then selected, with a subset selected for interviews.

THE 2022 VOLUNTEERS Many volunteers serve with us year after year. They come from a variety of different professional backgrounds, including many current and former educators. This season, we are especially proud to share that nearly half of our volunteers were alumni of the Renaissance Scholars Program.

39

64%

62%

18

TOTAL VOLUNTEERS

FIRST-GEN. COLLEGE GRADUATES

RESIDE IN OREGON OR ILLINOIS

RSP ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS

Interested in volunteering for the scholarship selection committee?

Reach out to callie@rscholars.org to learn more!

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ALUMNI FEATURE NICOLE YIP is a Renaissance Scholars alumnus

and current volunteer on the RSP selection committee.

She attended Portland Community College with the support of Future Connect, a Renaissance partner program. Nicole obtained her bachelor’s in international studies at Pacific University. After graduating in 2018, Nicole received a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Panama and completed her master’s degree through Florida State University. This winter, Nicole moved to Austin, Texas to work as a Global Intelligence Analyst.

Why did you decide to attend college?

It’s kind of a long story, but I never planned to go to college as a kid. I grew up with a single mother who was a refugee from Cambodia, so education was never her priority. She wasn't able to finish college, though she did complete some coursework. I grew up hearing constantly that we will never be able to pay or contribute to your college fund. I also grew up in a poor, marginalized part of Portland, where I was surrounded by illicit activity and temptations that veered me away from focusing on school. I had low resources and just a lack of role models who had a higher education, so it just was never a priority of mine.

I never thought college was available for people like me, but I learned that’s not true. College is for everybody, and it's especially for people like me. Actually, I wish that more opportunities were available to people with similar backgrounds as me. I basically dropped out of high school because I didn't do well in school. Then, I enrolled in a 'second chance' program called Gateway to College, which completely changed my life.

I did a complete 180 as a person. I entered the program which allowed me to begin in a community college, receive credits towards my high school diploma, and I just hit the ground running. I've been in honors ever since and I realized slowly but surely that college and academics are a huge part of my life and something that I greatly value.

Nicole in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2018

How was your experience at Pacific University?

My experience at Pacific was so rewarding, academically. It really exceeded any kind of academic standard I had set for myself. It challenged me and I was determined to continue to make it on honor roll, so I worked really hard! It was very academically challenging, but so rewarding because of that. The social aspect was also amazing. I met so many people from all over the world that I'm still in touch with. Though, it was only two years so I don't think I had the same experience as the traditional college student, but it was amazing.

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What surprised you the most about college?

Nicole in Santiago, Chile, 2018

How did being the first in your family to attend college affect your experience?

In every possible way, looking back now, I realize that. I had no comprehension to fully be able to grasp what an impediment that was until now that I've met people who have had those resources growing up. There are so many barriers that people would overlook, like tutoring for the SAT or the GRE. Those are things that I had to pay for out-of-pocket or I didn't even get because it was so expensive. Other financial barriers, like being able to pay to pay rent on your own, present a massive barrier to pursuing an education for firstgeneration students.

I did not expect how much it would change my life and my perspective of the world and the people I met. It totally just opened my eyes to different realities and backgrounds and whatnot. Beyond that, it opened a multitude of doors for opportunities for my future, like Fulbright. My past careers and my career now all resulted from my background in higher education. The thing that surprised me the most is how different my life is than I could have ever envisioned when I was younger.

Also, not knowing how to navigate the college system was probably the biggest thing. I didn't have any adult in my life that knew how to navigate the college system, from applying for actual schools, to attending college, and how to keep track of your credits and whatnot.

I don't think I would have made it without my counselors from Gateway or Future Connect.

Why did you decide to volunteer with Renaissance Scholars?

I made a promise to myself when I was 17 to give back. I recognize I wouldn't be where I am and wouldn't have accomplished things had people not shown me kindness and volunteered their valuable time.

My volunteering has always been related to at-risk youth or youth/education, but I didn't have the time or resources to give back in the ways that I can now. Renaissance is greatly rewarding and it's taught me a lot. It's not too much of a time commitment, but I feel that I still have an impact. Being a Renaissance Scholar myself, I know how invaluable the organization is and what it does for its students.

Nicole in Boquete, Panamá, 2021

Read Nicole’s full interview, and learn about her experiences as a Fulbright Scholar at rscholars.org.

How has your experience been on the scholarship selection committee?

As a previous Renaissance Scholar, I've been able to come full circle and I see where I was previously.

Seeing other students’ unique backgrounds and what they wanted to give to the world and do in their lives is the coolest thing ever. It’s super impactful for me to hear those stories and what people intend to do with their scholarship.

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LOOKING AHEAD In 2024, the Renaissance Scholars Program expects to reach the exciting milestone of 1,000 enrolled scholars!

Achievement of this milestone fulfills a goal set years ago, and is the conservative estimate of sustainable scholar population based on the Foundation's funding capacity.​ Each year, more of our scholars graduate and become Renaissance alumni. As our alumni group grows, we are expanding opportunities to keep interested alums engaged as career panelists, scholarship committee volunteer readers, and attendees at scholar events.

200

GRADUATES BY YEAR 168

150

100

63

69

50

20 08 20 09 20 10 20 11 20 12 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 20 19 20 20 20 21 20 22 20 23 *

0

*Projected based on annual scholar-reported, anticipated graduation dates.

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OUR TEAM THE RENAISSANCE FOUNDATION Irving Levin, Trustee Stephanie Fowler, Trustee Jonah Edelman, Advisor Lizzie Levin, Advisor

RENAISSANCE SCHOLARS PROGRAM Callie Forrest, Scholarship Program Manager

Callie was hired to be the Foundation’s first Scholarship Program Manager in early 2020. She is focused on growing the number of scholars, developing and refining systems to support that growth, and building partnerships with mentoring organizations and colleges that support our scholars. She has previously worked as a college access coach and virtual advising program coordinator at College Possible. Callie earned her bachelor’s degree in human services from Oregon State University.

Charlotte Crabtree, Special Projects Coordinator

Charlotte joined RSP in early 2022. As Special Projects Coordinator, she works on a variety of programs and projects to support scholars and alumni, which includes RSP social media content, career development events, and the scholar newsletter. She has previously worked as a social studies teacher and AVID tutor. Charlotte attended Portland State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in history and master's degree in education.

Diana Hoff, Director of Operations & Administration

Diana has served as the Director of Operations and Administration of The Renaissance Foundation since its inception. She worked closely with the Trustees to launch RSP, develop the operations, and manage the program through its first 15 years. She continues to advise the RSP staff, as well as serve on the selection committee. Diana was a first-generation college student at Boise State University and earned her degree in business administration.

Katie Varness, Scholarship Program Coordinator

Katie took over the role of Scholarship Program Coordinator in summer 2022. Katie began her work in college access at College Possible, working as a virtual college advisor. As Scholarship Program Coordinator, she manages the scholarship application and funds distribution processes and supports current scholars as well. Katie graduated from Lewis & Clark College with bachelor's degrees in both psychology and political science.

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STAY CONNECTED WITH US

503-726-5970

@trfscholars

info@rscholars.org

The Renaissance Foundation

www.rscholars.org