Maxine McDonald Residential Scholars Program
The Maxine McDonald Residential Scholars Program is a 2-year residency program rooted in the spirit and 34 year legacy of dedicated service by its namesake to the Fresno State community.
Purpose: The Maxine Mcdonald Residential Scholars Program (MMRSP) at California State University, Fresno, is in honor of the 34-year legacy of Maxine McDonald. Maxine’s work here at Fresno State has served over 1700 first-generation, low-income students in 2017. She provided exceptional leadership to Fresno State students, faculty, and staff during her years on campus. She contributed and had a great impact on programs like Summer Bridge, The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP), and many more. Maxine leaves behind a passionate team and legacy that continues to support all students starting with this 2-year residency scholarship program. This scholarship aims to live out her career mission to support students to have great success in their education.
Maxine Mcdonald
Program Details: The Maxine McDonald Scholarship targets incoming freshmen and transfer students who identify as Black/African American/Black American. All admitted applicants will be awarded a Residency Scholarship that includes a double occupancy room in our community halls and a Platinum meal plan for 2 years (four semesters) with Fresno State Student Housing (Note: the room assignment is at the discretion of the University Housing Office). MMRSP scholars will also have exclusive access to program-specific courses and enrichment activities that will take place during the fall, intersession, and spring semester that will contribute to the scholars’ respective majors. In addition, the members of this scholarship will gain a contributing voice on Fresno State’s campus and have access to insightful discussions with Fresno State staff, faculty, and at-large community members. All MMRSP recipients are expected to keep full-time status and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 each semester.
Eligibility: You must be a first-time freshman or transfer student who identifies as Black/African American/Black American whose deposition and actions personify the program’s three core tenets of being iconic, advocative, and exemplary. Applicants must meet all of the following
criteria in order to be eligible to apply to MMRSP:
- Have a minimum 2.8 GPA from previous school (High School or Community College)
- Able to provide 3 References and 1 must be from the most recent school counselor/administrator