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Promise Scholars Foster Youth Support Program

“…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 ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ 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 ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥. 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

Photo of Cyinna Drotos


Cyinna Drotos – Program Coordinator

Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
cyinna.drotos@fresno.edu
(559)453-2074

 

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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
 

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Kizzy Lopez, Ed.D. - Faculty Mentor

*Former Foster Youth
Assistant Professor, Social Work
kizzy.lopez@fresno.edu
(559)453-7844

Main Campus

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Marcela Gonzalez – Financial Aid

Student Financial Services Advisor
marcela.gonzalez@fresno.edu
(559)453-5519

 

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Brianna Martinez – Academic Success

Student Success & Equity Specialist
brianna.martinez@fresno.edu
(559)453-3646

 

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Taylor Starks – Spiritual Formation & Sunbird Food Pantry

Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation
taylor.starks@fresno.edu
(559)453-5547

 

Photo of Aubree Wright


Aubree Wright – Career Development

Career Counselor
aubree.wright@fresno.edu
(559)453-7161
 
 

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Maddie Saephan – Career Development

Career Counselor
madeleine.saephan@fresno.edu
(559)453-7157
 
 

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Savannah Richey – Counseling

Coordinator of University Service, On-site Counseling Center
savannah.richey@fresno.edu
(559)453-8023

 

Photo of Tyjuan Gibson


Tyjuan Gibson – On-campus Housing

Director of Residence Life & Housing
tyjuan.gibson@fresno.edu
(559)453-5571
 

Regional Campuses

Visalia

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Jared McCoy

Assistant Director for Operations, Visalia
jared.mccoy@fresno.edu
(559)302-4109

 

North Fresno

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Leonard Abbott

Assistant Director for Operations, North Fresno
leonard.abbott@fresno.edu
(559)573-7822

 

Merced

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Salvador Mejia

Assistant Director for Operations, Outreach, & Recruitment, Merced
salvador.mejia@fresno.edu
(209)354-5814

 

Bakersfield

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Misty Garcia

Assistant Director for Operations, Outreach, & Recruitment
misty.garcia@fresno.edu
(661)617-4512

 

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Angelica Garcia-Maldonado

Operations, Outreach, & Recruitment Specialist
angelica.garcia@fresno.edu
(661)617-4513

Resources

Campus Resources

Scholarships and Financial Assistance for College

Other Resources