NEWS RELEASE: Renewed Agreement Between San Diego Unified, San Diego State University Guarantees Admission to Qualifying Hoover High School Graduates
July 11, 2024
San Diego - A ceremonial signing for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between leaders of the San Diego Unified School District and San Diego State University (SDSU) highlighted the extension of the College Avenue Compact (CAC) agreement, providing qualifying Hoover High School students guaranteed acceptance into the university through the Class of 2028.
The CAC was officially established in 2011 as a way to promote college readiness, especially among first-generation college students. Since then, hundreds of Hoover High School students have been admitted to, and graduated from, SDSU.
In renewing the agreement, San Diego Unified hopes to strengthen educational outreach to the Hoover High School community by reducing equity gaps through a number of pathways to SDSU.
“The college application process can be an especially stressful time for prospective students, regardless of their academic record and accomplishments,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula said. “The continuation of this partnership for qualifying Hoover High School students provides certainty, clarity, and calmness in knowing their hard work assures them a spot at a top-ranked university.”
To qualify for guaranteed admission to SDSU through the CAC’s traditional pathway, Hoover High School students are required to reach a number of benchmarks, including:
- Continuous Enrollment at Hoover High School from 9th to 12th grade
- Demonstration of readiness in English and math
- Satisfactory completion of A-G coursework required through California State University system
- 3.0 GPA or higher (3.2 for Class of 2028)
A complete list of CAC requirements and student pathways to SDSU can be found here.
Emily Le, a Hoover High alumna majoring in psychology and on track to graduate from SDSU in 2025, says the program helped prepare her for future success in both college and career planning.
"Through the guaranteed admission to SDSU by CAC, I was able to find community and support from like-minded individuals during my pursuit into research,” said Le.
Assisting Hoover High School students with resources is Avenues for Success (AFS), funded through Price Philanthropies Foundation.
Among other services, AFS provides Hoover High School students college advising, planning and visits, financial aid support, career exploration, and workshops for students and families.
“For over 20 years, Price Philanthropies Foundation has worked together with San Diego State University and San Diego Unified School District to provide pathways to opportunity for Hoover High School students,” said Jennette Lawrence Shay, Price Philanthropies Foundation Chief Operating Officer. “Our foundation is grateful for the continued partnership with SDSU and San Diego Unified and the benefits the College Avenue Compact will provide to the next generation of Hoover High School graduates.”
Click here to view a slideshow of students who have gone through the CAC program over the years.
In renewing the agreement, SDSU leaders committed to establishing a dedicated coordinated care advisor for each Hoover High School student entering the university and to offer academic support, programming, and mentoring opportunities.
"We take much pride in providing college access to students from our local community, and this renewal is intended to support both access and closing equity gaps,” said Stefan Hyman, San Diego State Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management. “We look forward to enrolling and graduating more students from Hoover High School in the years to come."
Media Contact: Public Information Coordinator Mike Murad, [email protected].
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