PITTSBURG — In partnership with the Pittsburg Unified School District, qualified high school students will have an easier pathway to college thanks to a guaranteed admissions program from Cal State University East Bay.
The school district was the first in Contra Costa County to ink an agreement with the university, said Pittsburg Unified School District Superintendent Janet Schulze.
“We are very fortunate to have such a well-respected university close by, accessible for our scholars, and that also happens to be an incredibly beautiful campus,” said Schulze at a memorandum of understanding signing on Monday.
The guaranteed admissions program launched this fall already has reached more than 3,200 eligible students from partner school districts across the East Bay. Each student received a “You’re in” letter confirming their spot at the university, according to Cal State University East Bay.
University President Cathy Sandeen said about 21% of students who received the letters have enrolled.
The direct admission program will be especially helpful for students in public high schools in the East Bay who will be the first in their families to attend college, added Sandeen.
“I grew up in the East Bay, in Oakland and San Leandro, and I just figured it out on my own, but I didn’t want it to be that way for the students of today,” said Sandeen. “So, this program relieves some of that stress, and it also tells them, when they get that letter, it says you’ve worked hard, and you can be successful at a four-year university. And we have a great university right here in your backyard at Cal State East Bay.”
The Pittsburg school district has two high schools — the Black Diamond Continuation High School and Pittsburg High School.
Schulze said about 300 students from the class of 2026 at Pittsburg High School have received their admission letters from Cal State University East Bay so far.
The school district also hopes to partner with other universities on guaranteed admission programs, Schulze said.
“We have a lot of students who go to Sacramento State, San Jose State, so I’ll be reaching out to those universities too, to see if they have something similar as well because I think it’s really important to remove that barrier, and sometimes just that mindset that can get in the way,” said Schulze.
Pittsburg High School Principal Reginald Richardson said the partnership with Cal State University East Bay not only opens another door for students who qualify, but it is also about the school district’s commitment to equity and access for all.
“It’s more than just a pathway to university. It represents hope, possibilities, and the power of believing in our students’ potential,” said Richardson. “Providing this opportunity is not only transformative for our students, but it is deeply meaningful for our entire community.”
Marine Lopez Sepulveda, a senior at Pittsburg High School, said Cal State University East Bay is her top choice to pursue her higher education.
“I’ve had cousins that went to Cal State East Bay and some that are currently there, so having people I know there has made me feel secure and feel like I have someone to guide me through my years,” said Lopez Sepulveda.
Aside from the Pittsburg school district, Cal State University East Bay also partners with school districts in Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, New Haven, Castro Valley and Oakland.
It will also expand the program in fall 2026 to include other school districts, such as Fremont Unified, Leadership Public Schools Hayward, Napa Valley Unified, and Pivot Charter Schools.
Through the program, students and families are invited to university-hosted events to explore academic opportunities, receive personalized financial aid guidance, and ask questions about the university.
According to Sandeen, the support is pivotal. She said 80% of Cal State University East Bay students receive some form of financial assistance, and 60% pay no tuition or fees at all — a helpful factor for many households.
In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 640, which will provide eligible high school graduates automatic admission to the California State University system without an application.
SB 640, a bill authored by Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, “takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, with full statewide participation beginning for fall 2027 applicants,” according to California State University.