California State University, Fresno has announced two gifts totaling $5.5 million from the Perenchio Foundation in support of scholarships for students in need.

Established by Jerrold Perenchio, who died in 2017, the foundation announced a gift of $500,000 to the Good Samaritan Fund to help students in need during the 2020-21 academic year and a second gift of $5 million to establish the Perenchio Family Endowed Scholarship Fund for students from all backgrounds, including "Dreamers." 

Established with contributions from the community and private donors, the Good Samaritan Fund assists students facing unexpected financial roadblocks to their academic progress and personal well-being. According to the university, student needs have increased significantly during the coronavirus pandemic. The first round of Perenchio scholarships will be awarded ahead of the 2021-22 academic year to freshmen and sophomores to help keep them in school and to juniors and seniors to help boost degree completion rates. The scholarships will be open to all students who need financial assistance, with preference given to full-time students.

"By helping to remove barriers to achieving a college degree, the Perenchio Foundation is profoundly transforming the lives of current and future students, our next generation of leaders, thereby making a lasting gift to the hometown that gave Mr. Perenchio his start in life," said Fresno State president Joseph I. Castro. "As student enrollment grows, we are extremely grateful for this investment in our university."