FPU and Dinuba Unified Partner to Expand College Opportunities

Students in Dinuba Unified School District have a new pathway to a bachelor's degree through a partnership with Fresno Pacific University. The agreement provides guaranteed admission for eligible students, scholarship opportunities and personalized support to help students and families navigate the college admission process.

Fresno Pacific President André Stephens, Ph.D., and Dinuba Unified Superintendent Marti Kochevar celebrated the partnership during a signing ceremony on November 2, 2026. The agreement is part of FPU's Sunbird Flight Plan initiative, which works with Central Valley school districts to make higher education more accessible.

The celebration included district representatives wearing orange FPU shirts and a special recognition of students in attendance, who received Sunny the Sunbird stuffed animals to welcome them to the FPU Sunbird community.

"Great things happen when educational institutions come together with a shared purpose," said Kochevar. "Our Flight Plan partnership with Fresno Pacific University is about opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping Dinuba High School students see a college education as an achievable goal. Together, we are sending a powerful message to our students that we believe in their potential and are committed to helping them reach it. We can't wait to see where their futures take them!"

Under the agreement, Dinuba Unified students who earn a minimum 3.0 weighted cumulative GPA and complete the required application process are guaranteed admission to Fresno Pacific. Students interested in certain programs, including nursing and social work, must meet additional admission requirements.

Students enrolling directly into FPU's traditional undergraduate program can also benefit from financial assistance, including annual academic scholarships ranging from $8,000 to $18,000 and need-based financial aid. Participating students will also have their application fees waived.

"This partnership is about more than admission," said Stephens. "At FPU, we believe college isn't just transactional, but transformational. We want students in Dinuba to see college as an opportunity that is within their reach and know that they will be supported throughout the process."

Beyond guaranteed admission and financial assistance, the agreement also connects students and families with ongoing college preparation resources. FPU admissions and financial aid representatives will visit district high schools at least twice a semester to meet with students, answer questions and provide assistance with the application process.

Additional support includes college preparation and financial aid workshops, as well as opportunities for campus visits and activities that give students a glimpse of what university life looks like. The district and the university will also coordinate admission-related services to help streamline the transition from high school to college.

For more information on the Sunbird Flight Plan, visit fresno.edu/flightplan.

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