California State University-San Marcos announced an initiative this month to provide guaranteed admission to qualified first-time Black students beginning next fall.
A memorandum of understanding will be signed by California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) President Ellen Neufeldt on Feb. 26 with the Coalition on Black and African American Education, a collection of community-based organizations that works to close educational equity gaps related to historically underrepresented students.
As a part of a five-year agreement, beginning this fall, the university will guarantee admission to incoming first-time freshmen and community college transfers from members of the coalition who have met the minimum entrance requirements of California State University and other criteria.
According to the university, this agreement aims to increase educational access and social mobility.
“As an anchor institution of our region, we’re proud to develop and sustain this collaboration that will support and assist local students in their pursuit of a college education,” Neufeldt said. “I am grateful for the partnership of all those who have made this effort possible, and I look forward to seeing more of our region’s youth further unlock their potential through the education and experiences they receive at our university.”
Students who meet the requirements will be supported by programs such as the Personalized Academic Success Services (PASS), career success councilors, and the Black Student Success Center, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday.
The Black student population at CSUSM has remained virtually unchanged at around 3.2 percent since 2016.
According to 2021 U.S Census Figures, Black people make up about 6.4 percent of San Diego’s population.
