CSULB recognized as a 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education

Published November 1, 2023
By Hector Infante Distinctive

Cal State Long Beach was recognized today as a 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education, a distinction earned thanks to the campus’ work in implementing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, ensuring that the next generation of college-aged students in California has the chance to attend and succeed in college. This is the second year The Beach has been named an Equity Champion. 

The acknowledgment comes from The Campaign for College Opportunity, a nonprofit organization devoted to creating a clearer pathway for community college students to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree.  

The Beach was also recognized as a top performer in the following categories: 

  • CSU Associate Degree for Transfer Implementation – ensuring that over half of 2022 undergraduate transfers students were ADT earners, and that of those ADT earners, over half were on a guaranteed pathway. 
  • Equity Champions for Black Students – ensuring that over half of its 2021 Black undergraduate transfer students were ADT earners, and that of those ADT earners, over half were on a guaranteed pathway. 
  • Equity Champions for Latinx Students – ensuring that over half of 2021 Latinx undergraduate transfers were ADT earners, and that of those ADT earners, over half were on a guaranteed pathway. 

“To be named recipients of this honor affirms CSULB’s commitment to championing equity efforts and expanding access for all students,” said CSULB Provost Karyn Scissum Gunn. “Our implementation of the ADT program plays a pivotal role on this campus, serving as a bridge for local community college students to access a Beach education. This effort places some of our most diverse students on a secure pathway to further pursue their educational and career goals with us.” 

The Associate Degree for Transfer or ADT program, also called a Degree with a Guarantee, was created by California community colleges and partnering institutions to make it easier for community college students to transfer to a guaranteed spot at a participating four-year university, where they can earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Students who meet the CSU’s minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed priority admission at a CSU campus. 

With an ADT, students can earn two degrees, their associate’s degree and a bachelor's degree, with only 120 units if they transfer into a CSU program that is similar to the associate’s degree they earned at a California community college. 

Since the passage of The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (SB 1440/Padilla) in 2010, California community colleges have awarded over 480,000 Associate Degrees for Transfer.