The Fresno State Renaissance Scholars program will once again be a beneficiary of the Granville Homes fundraiser called Home of Hope.

Granville is selling raffle tickets for a 2,165-square-foot home that is now being constructed, and proceeds will benefit local nonprofit organizations.

Launched in 2008, the Renaissance Scholars Program works to provide students who experienced the foster care program or were unaccompanied youth with the resources, support and educational environment to enable them to grow.

The program has served over 150 students, accepting 15 to 20 students every fall semester, said coordinator Kizzy Lopez, who herself is a former foster youth.

“I want students to feel like they belong in the program and to feel they belong to the campus,” Lopez said. “I want students to feel valued, cared for and proud to be a Renaissance Scholar.”

As a young person, Lopez knew that getting an education would be key in changing her life, but that the road would not be easy.

“I knew I wanted a degree because it is the key to a better life, but attending a university was not an option at the time.” Lopez said. “I started at a community college, but it took me three months to get any financial aid because of my lack of parental status.”

Now Lopez helps former foster youth overcome barriers and succeed.

“The students have overcome so much to be here at Fresno State,” Lopez said. “It is something I hope they are extremely proud of.”

The Renaissance Program received national attention after being featured in a Kleenex video that shows students during move-in day at the Fresno State campus and the reality that not everyone has the parental support to make the transition into college life.

“The community’s investment is worthwhile because Renaissance Scholars are bright, talented university students who are using education as a vehicle of change for their life and to make a difference in the community,” Lopez said.

Home of Hope tickets are $100 each. The drawing will be May 3. For more information, visit gvhomeofhope.com.

For more information about Renaissance Scholars visit the website or call the office at 278.1787.