Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

Cal Poly Humboldt has partnered with Northern Humboldt Union High School District (NHUHSD), Fortuna Union High School District, and Ferndale Unified School District to offer direct admissions to graduating seniors.

This new collaboration follows the University’s earlier direct partnership with Eureka City Schools, and all are based on a system-level agreement with the Riverside County Office of Education. These partnerships aim to create an innovative direct admissions program that will provide local students with easy access to Cal Poly Humboldt, enhancing their path to higher education. Each district signed agreements at recent special events and board meetings, formalizing the partnership.

“These Direct Admissions agreements result from Cal Poly Humboldt’s determination to ensure that all Humboldt County students know college can be an option for them. Students may decide to take another path in life, but we want that to be a choice, and not because they are unaware of their opportunities. With these most recent collaborations, we are proud to partner with four local districts, and one in Southern California, to make the dream of a polytechnic education a reality for California residents,” says Chrissy Holliday, vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Success.

Through the admissions program, Arcata High, Ferndale High, Fortuna High, Academy of the Redwoods, Six Rivers Academy, Mad River High, and Pacific Coast High School students who are on track to finish A-G course requirements with at least a 2.5 GPA, or meet the California State University (CSU) standards for admissions, or who also meet the University’s current admission requirements, may qualify for direct admission to Cal Poly Humboldt. Before applying, students will know they are guaranteed admission, providing certainty about their path to college with additional support in the application process.

“Fortuna Union High School District is incredibly excited about our partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt and deeply grateful for their commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for our students. This collaboration not only strengthens pathways to higher education but also highlights the University’s dedication to supporting local students. By investing in the success of our community’s youth, they are creating life-changing opportunities that will have a lasting impact on our region,” says Clint Duey, Fortuna Union High School superintendent.

The Direct Admissions program 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. While current high school juniors will be the first local students to benefit from direct admissions, the expanded support will start early in high school, helping to build students’ progress toward college opportunities at Humboldt. Each high school will also share student data to facilitate admissions, while all institutions remain committed to protecting privacy and adhering to state and federal regulations.

“Our partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt will help more of our students realize a powerful education experience. Not only will it increase access to higher education but their high school experience will be enriched with a deeper understanding of what is available to them. The additional personal contact that we will be able to offer is going to make a big difference for our students,” says NHUHSD Superintendent Roger Macdonald.

This collaboration embodies a shared dedication to empowering local students with transformative educational opportunities. All institutions are united in their efforts to ensure the program’s success while adapting to the community’s evolving needs.

Under the guidance 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 to nurture a college-going culture is passionately focused on fostering the success of local high school students at Cal Poly Humboldt.

“Ferndale High School is excited to partner with Cal Poly Humboldt to create the opportunity to attend a CSU school for all of our students. The support Humboldt will provide to students to help make sure they meet A-G requirements and explore possible majors and careers will allow students who might not otherwise consider a four-year university the ability to do so,” says Jeremy Griffith, Ferndale High School principal.

For more information about Cal Poly Humboldt admissions, visit admissions.humboldt.edu or contact the Admissions office by calling (866) 850-9556 or (707) 826-4402 or emailing apply@humboldt.edu.