The Children’s Fund Receives Philanthropic Partner Of The Year Award

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – (Monday, November 19, 2012)

The Philanthropic Partner of the Year Award was presented to Children’s Fund recently at the National Philanthropy Day annual luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals held at the Hilton Ontario Airport. Children’s Fund was nominated by Cal Poly Pomona for their partnership with their Renaissance Scholars Program.

Launched in 2002, Cal Poly Pomona's Renaissance Scholars is an academic support program located in the Division of Student Affairs that empowers former foster youth through higher education. The Renaissance Scholars Program provides these exceptional students with access to a broad range of services and support. These students gain skills to direct the outcome of their future through education and career development. After graduation, alumni make the transition towards fulfilling careers and earn advance degrees in their field of interest.

Last year Children’s Fund agreed to fund the launching of a mentorship program within the Renaissance Scholars, providing upper division students, who were themselves former foster youth, to mentor incoming freshmen students just exiting the foster care system. This type of focused support will greatly enhance the success of these students as they learn to navigate the campus and educational system, as well as transition to adulthood and independence.

“I think Cal Poly Pomona’s program makes a tangible difference in the experience and outcomes of these former foster youth,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “Statistics show that fewer than 2% of foster youth graduate with four-year degrees. These students have worked so hard to qualify for admission into Cal Poly- we want them to be successful and graduate. Cal Poly has shown a great commitment to ensure that they do just that, and we are very proud to partner with them on this project.”

Created in 1986, Children’s Fund is a non-profit whose mission is to prevent child abuse in our community; to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished, or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education; and to provide equal opportunity for social development for these children. For more information on Children’s Fund or how you can “Make a Difference” in the life of a child, please visit Children’s Fund’s website at www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000.