Visalia Unified students can now receive guaranteed admission to Sonoma State University

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Giving students a clear road map to college is top of mind for the Visalia Unified School District.

It has partnered with Fresno State, Fresno Pacific, and UC Merced to guarantee admission to students who complete specific requirements.

Now, Superintendent Kirk Shrum says it is expanding to its first university outside the Valley: Sonoma State.

"We've seen our college enrollment numbers increase through these guaranteed admission partnerships, and so I have no doubt that we'll see that also with Sonoma State," Shrum said.

It's Sonoma State's first partnership in the Central Valley.

The Interim Vice President, Paul Edwards, says this is a good opportunity for the school to show what sets it apart.

"I'm a firm believer that if we can get parents and prospects onto our campus, show what we have to offer, we're going to get more than a few takers from those groups," Edwards said.

VUSD began partnerships after noting that more than 90% of students graduated from high school, but only 15 percent met the four-year university requirements.

To reduce barriers, each student who is interested will receive direct outreach and communication from Sonoma State, application support and fee waivers for eligible students.

They will also receive priority consideration for available financial support such as scholarships, housing discounts and book support where applicable.

"I think what four-year colleges offer in these endeavors is the ability to create experiences and opportunities that many of these families would otherwise not have a chance at," Edwards said.

Superintendent Kirk Shrum says he hopes this supports students who are eager to go beyond the valley to continue their education.

"And so I think it's just a huge confidence builder for our students to see that this is an option for them and the importance of the four-year college degree," Shrum said.

Sonoma State representatives will participate in campus events at least four times a year to ensure students can ask recruiters any questions.

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