VUSD Partners with the California State University System to Expand Direct Admission Opportunities for Students
Vacaville Unified School District (VUSD) is proud to announce a new partnership with the California State University (CSU) system through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing Direct Admission for Vacaville Unified students. This collaboration is designed to expand access to higher education and simplify the college admissions process for VUSD high school seniors.
What is Direct Admission?
Direct Admission is a proactive college access program in which eligible students receive an offer of admission from a university before even applying, as long as they meet certain academic standards. Students are then invited to take the next steps to finalize their admission.
This approach is built on two core principles:
Inform students proactively that they qualify for college admission.
Reduce the obstacles and steps required to confirm their admission and enroll if they desire.
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), over half of students surveyed ranked applying to college as the most stressful experience of their academic journey. By removing barriers and streamlining the process, this initiative aims to expand opportunity, particularly for students who might not otherwise consider college as a viable option.
How It Works
Through this new partnership, the CSU Chancellor’s Office (CSUCO) received student data files directly from VUSD. The CSUCO will soon send customized mailers to Vacaville Unified seniors highlighting:
Direct Admission status, students who meet CSU eligibility will be notified that they are already admitted to a CSU campus pending application confirmation.
Next steps and financial aid information, including how to apply and confirm admission.
Local and high-capacity CSU campuses are making college options accessible and clear.
“The program shows students that higher education is possible for them,” said Liz Jensen, Head Counselor at Will C. Wood High School, who initiated this project with CSU. “Every student has a pathway, and there is a place for them within the CSU system.”
Students who are close to meeting CSU’s A–G requirements will be encouraged to connect with their counselors to finalize eligibility, while those not yet eligible will learn about the Transfer Success Pathway (Dual Admission) program, an agreement guaranteeing future CSU admission for students who begin at a California Community College and meet transfer requirements.
To support students and families through every step of the college-going process, Vacaville Unified will host a series of “Cash for College” workshops from November through February, offering hands-on guidance with financial aid applications and college planning at our comprehensive high schools.
At Vacaville Unified, our mission is clear: our graduates will graduate with more than a diploma. We prepare students with the essential skills for college, career, and life. The Direct Admission partnership is another powerful step toward ensuring every graduate has access to postsecondary opportunities that align with their individual goals.
Through our existing partnership with CaliforniaColleges.edu, the State of California’s official college and career planning platform, students already have access to comprehensive tools for career exploration, college research, financial aid literacy, and application completion, all in one place.
Additionally, students across VUSD can explore their interests and future pathways through a robust selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Building Trades, Biotechnology, Education, and Medical Science. These opportunities ensure our students graduate with both academic rigor and practical, career-ready skills, fully prepared to thrive beyond high school.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access and opportunity,” said Ed Santopadre, Superintendent of Vacaville Unified School District. “Direct Admission removes barriers, opens doors, and sends a clear message to our students: college is an option, and your community believes in you.”
The district looks forward to seeing the first class of Vacaville Unified students receive their CSU Direct Admission notifications in November, marking an exciting new chapter in preparing graduates for success in college, career, and life.