Cal State East Bay Partners With Two Local School Districts for Automatic Enrollment of Qualified Students
- BY KIMBERLY HAWKINS
- PHOTOGRAPHY BY Garvin Tso
- October 22, 2024
Cal State East Bay has new partnerships with San Leandro and Hayward Unified School Districts to give qualified students a clear path to higher education with guaranteed acceptance and coordinated support services.
“Applying for college can be daunting,’’ said Hayward Unified School District Superintendent Jason Reimann. “Removing barriers such as these helps empower students to pursue their educational aspirations with confidence. And it signals to students — and their families — that their whole community supports their success.”
Qualified SLUSD and HUSD seniors will each receive a letter informing them that if they meet CSU admission requirements, they are guaranteed admission and are eligible to visit and preview the Hayward campus.
"Receiving a personal invitation like this can be transformative for students and their families, said SLUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Sonal Patel. “This type of personal outreach is about more than eligibility — it's about belonging, about knowing that there is a place for them in their community. We want our students to feel welcomed and valued as they take this next important step in their educational journey."
Qualified students will receive guidance and resources to make smooth transitions from high school to university life, with district support starting early in their high school journey to help students and families understand the financial aid and academic resources available to make college a reality.
“Cal State East Bay is proud of these partnerships which will expand access to higher education for local students,” said Cal State East Bay President Cathy Sandeen. “This partnership represents a shared vision for investing in the future of our community. As a graduate of San Leandro High myself, I know how much my college degree has given me. I am so grateful to have played a role in bringing this program to reality for today's students.”
This agreement further demonstrates the commitment of these institutions to equity and opportunity — ensuring that students from all backgrounds have a fair chance to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. Together, HUSD, SLUSD and Cal State East Bay are creating a model of collaboration that highlights the importance of partnerships in supporting student achievement and community growth.