San José State and College Track Partner to Expand College Access for California Students

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College Track and San José State University (SJSU) are proud to announce an innovative partnership designed to expand educational access and career success for students from under-resourced communities throughout California. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to students who want to be the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree.

This partnership combines College Track's 10-year program model with SJSU's dedication to affordability and innovation in service of first-generation college students. College Track's program provides guidance for students beginning in ninth grade through college graduation and into the launch of their careers. College Track students earn a bachelor's degree at a rate of nearly three times the national rate of first-generation college students. Together, College Track and SJSU will equip students with the tools they need to excel academically in school then transition into purposeful careers.

At the partnership's core is a cohorted admissions model, which reflects a significant commitment from SJSU to admit at least 10 eligible College Track scholars each year. This minimum cohort will comprise students who are fully Pell Grant eligible, California residents for tuition purposes, and meet admissions standards for both the California State University System and SJSU.

Once admitted, these scholars will benefit from robust financial support, including a financial aid package that contributes to tuition and fees, and on-campus housing that will help create a sense of belonging on campus. This support will be made possible through SJSU's existing awarding policies and the Higher Education Student Housing (HESH) program.

Beyond financial resources, CT scholars at SJSU will also gain access to several critical support programs, including the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), CalFresh, and California Promise, designed to help them navigate college life successfully and graduate on time.

"This partnership with San José State University is our first within the California State University system, and I am thrilled that we are opening this new chapter with not only the founding CSU institution but the oldest public university on the West Coast," said Dr. Shirley M. Collado, President and CEO of College Track. "SJSU is known for its top-tier business and engineering programs as well as its strong industry connections. This is an important thruline for our scholars as they follow their dream of becoming the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree and access the tools they need to establish purposeful careers."

"Partnerships like this are at the very core of San José State University's mission," said SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. "We exist to serve by providing an excellent, accessible education that equips students to succeed in college, career and life. We are opening doors, expanding opportunities and affirming that every student has a place at SJSU."

About College Track

College Track's mission is to help students from under-resourced communities earn a bachelor's degree and build lives defined by opportunity, choice, purpose and power.

Today, more than 5,000 College Track high school and college students across California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the D.C.-Maryland area are pursuing their goal of becoming the first in their family to graduate from college. Nationwide, our 1,100 alumni represent what's possible when students have long-term support and access to higher education. Ninety percent of our students are the first in their family to attend college, and 84% come from under-resourced communities. They graduate at more than two and a half times the national rate for first-generation peers.

To learn more about College Track and our work to support first-generation students, visit collegetrack.org .

San José State University, ranked the No. 5 public university in the nation by Wall Street Journal/College Pulse, is the oldest university in the Cal State University system.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU offers its more than 40,000 students unmatched access to internships and careers with global companies and a culturally rich community. With a commitment to academic excellence and personalized student support, SJSU empowers students to thrive professionally and personally. Thanks to top-tier R2 research opportunities and faculty mentoring, Spartans graduate with confidence, low debt, and the skills to lead. When purpose meets preparation at SJSU, transformation happens - for Spartan students and the world around them.