Cal State Long Beach was recognized today as an Equity Champion of Higher Education for its work in advancing 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. 

The Beach is a top performer in the following categories:  

• Champion of Higher Education – California State University Associate Degree for Transfer Implementation
• CSU Equity Champion for Black students  
• CSU Equity Champion for Latinx students  

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. 

Each of the three recognitions reflect that more than half of The Beach’s undergraduate transfer students were ADT earners, and of those ADT earners, more than half were on a guaranteed pathway.  

“We are so proud of The Beach for being named a 2022 Equity Champion of Higher Education,” said Provost Karyn Scissum Gunn. “Our implementation of the Associate Degree for Transfer (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. To be named recipients of this honor affirms CSULB’s commitment to championing equity efforts and expanding access for all students.”   

The 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 go on to 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 program at a CSU 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 360,000 Associate Degrees for Transfer.