“Expanding direct admissions to Southern Humboldt and Del Norte County reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are and removing unnecessary barriers to college access,” says Chrissy Holliday, vice president of Enrollment Management & Student Success. “By partnering more closely with local school districts, we’re giving students and their families clarity, confidence, and early support as they plan for their future. We want students to know—well before senior year—that Cal Poly Humboldt is an accessible, welcoming option and we support them every step of the way.”
This new initiative follows the University’s direct partnership with Eureka City Schools and other school districts in Humboldt County. These partnerships are based on a CSU-level agreement with the Riverside County Office of Education. The goal of this program is to provide local qualifying students with easier access to Cal Poly Humboldt, enhancing their pathway to higher education.
"This agreement signifies an amazing opportunity for the students in our school district. Even though we are 90 miles away from Cal Poly Humboldt, an agreement such as this one makes us feel like the community of Del Norte matters to the University," says Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Del Norte County Office of Education and Unified School District, Thomas Kissinger.
Through the admissions program, many high school students in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties who are on track to complete the A-G course requirements with at least a 2.5 GPA, meet California State University admission standards, or satisfy the University’s current admission requirements, may qualify for direct admission. Students will know in advance that they are guaranteed admission, providing them with certainty about their college path, along with additional support during the application process. This process includes on-campus events, informational presentations at each school, and counselor training to help students and families navigate the transition from high school to college. Current high school juniors will be the first to benefit from direct admissions, while expanded support will be implemented early in high school to help students progress toward college opportunities at Humboldt.
“We are excited to partner with Cal Poly Humboldt for direct admissions to qualified high school seniors in our district. This opportunity, partnered with the High School Scholars program, gives them a stress-free jump-start on their college path for students who want to stay local,” says Superintendent of Southern Humboldt Joint Unified School District, Sarah Purl.
Under the leadership of Angela Shull, Executive Director of the Redwood Coast K-16 Educational Collaborative at Cal Poly Humboldt, the connection between the University and regional high schools has strengthened. The Collaborative’s mission is to nurture a college-going culture and foster the success of local high school students at Humboldt. A key component of this is partnering with high school districts implementing the California College Guidance Initiative to support integrative data-sharing efforts between districts and the University, further strengthening systems that promote seamless college access.
For more information about Cal Poly Humboldt admissions, visit admissions.humboldt.edu or contact the Admissions office at (866) 850-9556 or (707) 826-4402, or email apply@humboldt.edu.