Renaissance Scholars Program Grant

The Renaissance Scholars Program, established by The Renaissance Foundation in 2000, aims to support high achieving, low-income students who are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor's degree. Offering renewable scholarships up to $5,000 annually, the program emphasizes educational access and equity. Scholars benefit from mentoring, growth opportunities, and resources to enhance their college experience. The foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to academic achievement.

Note: Scholarships cannot be applied at community college. If students decide to enroll or continue at community college, they will need to reapply when they are ready to transfer.
The Renaissance Foundation
Since its inception in 2000, The Renaissance Foundation has primarily invested in educational access and services for those with financial need. The Foundation awards grants to organizations that share the same core values of education, social justice, equity and inclusion, environmental justice, and human service.
The mission of the Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP) is to provide scholarships to high achieving, low-income students who will be the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Program offers a renewable college scholarship of up to $5,000 per academic year (a maximum of $20,000 toward your bachelor’s degree).
RSP works closely with a variety of partners to connect students with mentoring organizations on their college campuses. RSP provides additional growth opportunities and resources for scholars, including in-person and virtual events.

Eligibility

Requirements for Current College ApplicantsApplicants must be one (not all) of the following: ​A current freshman or sophomore college student at a 4-year school in Oregon or Illinois ORA current community college student in Oregon or Illinois, planning to transfer to any 4-year school ORA current freshman or sophomore college student at one of our three partner HBCUs, or planning to transfer to one.
Requirements for All Applicants:
​U.S. citizenship is not a requirement (see FAQ section for more).Plan to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. 4-year college.Will be the very first person in your family to earn a bachelor's degree. Students who have a parent or sibling with a bachelor’s degree, or a sibling currently enrolled in a 4-year college are not eligible. (see FAQ section for more).Have significant demonstrated financial need. Renaissance defines this as Pell eligibility or equivalent for those who do not file the FAFSA. If Renaissance scholarship winners go on to win a “full ride” scholarship through a college or organization, the Renaissance award will be rescinded (see FAQ section for more).Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and show academic achievement.
In addition to meeting the requirements above, The Renaissance Foundation is looking for students who demonstrate: leadership potential, a concern for others, and a strong work ethic. These qualities can be demonstrated through participation in volunteering, membership in clubs/community organizations, paid/unpaid work, or family responsibilities.