Stanislaus State, in partnership with Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that guarantees admission to Stan State for every IYT participant who meets California State University’s minimum admission requirements.
The agreement was formalized on Oct. 19, during Stan State’s third annual Warrior Expo, the University’s open house for prospective and current students and community members. About 100 IYT participants, including high school and community college students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, attended Warrior Expo and were on hand for the signing ceremony, which took place on the Warrior Steps at the University Student Center.
“As long as you graduate and meet the minimum requirements and apply here, you will be admitted on the spot — guaranteed,” said Jesus Andrade, executive director of IYT’s Central Valley region. “This is a big occasion for us, and I’m sure for Stan State, because today we say your lives matter. Central Valley boys’ and Sacramento boys’ lives matter. Today, we say that we love you. Today, we say that we are here to guarantee your success.”
Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis expressed her excitement for the partnership, which is another step in Stan State’s mission to expand educational access and foster a welcoming, diverse campus.
“This is a place where you belong,” Rios-Ellis said. “We are really happy that you are embracing these new possibilities, and we hope that we have demonstrated to you today how much we are invested and ready to support your success. Everyone here works for you and your success.”
The MOU will continue through July 2027. Under the terms of the agreement, IYT and Stan State will offer academic and support services to IYT participants in their College Academy and community college programs to support the development and implementation of guaranteed admission.
The agreement supports the University’s strategic priorities, including increasing enrollment and supporting the success of students from all backgrounds. Maura Gatch, Stan State’s associate vice president for enrollment management, emphasized how the MOU aligns with Stan State’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
“We’re reaching students who might not have seen themselves as college-bound and saying, ‘We’ve got you.’ If they meet the minimum requirements, we’ll guarantee them admission,” Gatch said. “This initiative helps students who may not have previously seen themselves as college-ready realize that they are indeed ready.”
The partnership highlights the University’s commitment to making higher education accessible to all those who meet admission requirements and who want to attend college, particularly young men of color from underrepresented communities.
“We’re showing our commitment by not just offering tours, but guaranteeing admission if they meet the requirements,” Gatch said. “We’re taking what we started and pushing it a step further.”
Rios-Ellis said the partnership is another important step forward in reaffirming Stan State’s commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in the Central Valley and underscores the University’s role as an anchor institution in the region that is devoted to these values.
“Together, we are making Stan State a place where dreams come to life,” Rios-Ellis said. “A place where every student feels valued and where success is within reach.”
