Partnership Guarantees 2.5+ GPA Seniors Admission to CSUEB

Castro Valley High School seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or better will be guaranteed admission to California State University, East Bay (CSUEB, or Cal State East Bay), starting this fall, thanks to a new partnership between the state university and the school district. 

The agreement between Cal State East Bay and Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) mirrors the university's similar relationships with the San Leandro and Hayward Unified School Districts. The goal is to give qualified students a clear path to higher education with guaranteed acceptance and coordinated support services. 

Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi says it is vitally important that students have options after graduation from which they can choose as they navigate through their time at CVUSD schools and make decisions about college and careers. 

“We have long-standing partnerships with CSUEB in teacher preparation programs, and this agreement is another important step in further strengthening our partnership, which will, most importantly, benefit our students,” Superintendent Ahmadi told the Forum.

First, CVHS College and Career Counselor Ms. Mattie Peracca-Brown will identify and confirm eligible students' standing—those completing their A-G coursework—and communicate with the student’s college advisor. 

Throughout the year, Peracca-Brown will work with all students to ensure they have the necessary information and help them develop the skills necessary to navigate the college admission process.  

Cal State East Bay also offers its own interns to help students with the process. CSUEB staff work directly with CVUSD’s College and Career Counselors. The so-called “Cradle to Career” resources include helping CVUSD students with their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, campus events for CVUSD students and families, and monitoring and supporting the CVUSD cohort undergraduate degree. 

Superintendent Ahmadi says the benefit of guaranteed admission at CSUEB can hopefully reduce the stress of applying for college a bit, adding that those who hope to go to a four-year university upon graduation stay on track and know that as long as they remain in good standing.

In addition to its partnership with Cal State East Bay, Castro Valley offers dual enrollment opportunities with Chabot Community College. Qualified high schoolers can take courses at Chabot while in high school and earn college credit in their area of interest. Upon graduation, they can continue at Chabot or other community colleges or a four-year university and/or start a career.