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Reducing Barriers to a 4-Year Education

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Carolyn Gutierrez

Families at the Bulldog Bound event heard directly from Fresno State Representatives about the program details and shared that seniors who signed up for the program would have a decision on their admission by next week.

Visalia, CA – Over a hundred VUSD students signed up for Fresno State’s “Bulldog Bound” program on November 13th, 2023. The inaugural event was held at El Diamante High School’s Theatre and attracted an unprecedented number of students making a commitment to join the new program.
 
During the 2021-2022, over 92% of students graduated from a VUSD high school within the 4-year cohort and nearly half graduated meeting the A-G requirements. Only 15% of those students eligible for a 4-year university took advantage of the opportunity. Recognizing the deficiency in this area, during the 2022-2023 school year, VUSD signed a memorandum of understanding with three local universities in an effort to increase education around university education and create a clear pathway for students and families: CSU Fresno, Fresno Pacific, and UC Merced.
 
“Many of our students are eligible to attend a 4-year university and this partnership is an effort by Visalia Unified to let our students know that college is an option for them, and more importantly, we’re going to help them get there," stated Superintendent Kirk Shrum.
 
Families at the Bulldog Bound event heard directly from Fresno State Representatives about the program details and shared that seniors who signed up for the program would have a decision on their admission by next week.
 
“‘Bulldog Bound’” is going to be helping [families] through the process, and that’s what a lot of families worry about. It can be very stressful, not only for the students, but the parents as well. I think it’s a great opportunity for anyone who takes advantage of it,” said Valarie Valencia, parent of a senior student at Redwood High School.
 
Visalia Unified Board Member Randy Villegas added, “What we’re trying to do is make this transition from high school to university a lot smoother. I know it can be challenging for our first generation students, but what we’re demonstrating is that it’s more important to not be the last. Not only are we going to make sure that our seniors get access to this program, but it’s also accessible for students beginning the 9th grade, so their siblings and relatives also get exposure to the program and see themselves in higher education.

Visalia Unified School District students who sign up and meet the minimum CSU requirements are guaranteed admission to Fresno State as early as 9th grade. Fresno State and VUSD provide students and their families with the resources, services and tools needed to meet these requirements. “Bulldog Bound” ensures that qualified students have a clear, tangible path to a college degree and by participating in this program, students also have access to: Pre-admission for 11th graders On-the-spot admissions for 12th graders Fresno State ID card, which will give students email and library access Help with career and academic major exploration Assistance with applications Early financial aid estimates Scholarship opportunities Campus life experience Summer student leadership opportunities Resources for parents/guardians

  • Pre-admission for 11th graders
  • On-the-spot admissions for 12th graders
  • Fresno State ID card, which will give students email and library access
  • Help with career and academic major exploration
  • Assistance with applications
  • Early financial aid estimates
  • Scholarship opportunities Campus life experience
  • Summer student leadership opportunities Resources for parents/guardians
  • allhigh

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