Gather ’Round for Bulldog Bound
By Lisa Bell (’95)
Photo by Cary Edmondson
Fresno State announced Bulldog Bound — a new guaranteed admissions program — at a kickoff event May 10 at the new Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union. Through the program, high school students (from participating school districts) who meet the minimum California State University requirements are guaranteed a spot at Fresno State after they graduate.
The program will also offer ongoing support for high school students and their parents to prepare students to enter college.
Bulldog Bound ensures qualified students in the region have a clear, tangible path to a college degree. Fresno State will support students and their families with admission preparation and resources as early as ninth grade.
“As the Valley’s premier university, Fresno State uplifts every facet of life in the region,” says Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This program will pave the way for future generations of diverse and talented students to come to Fresno State. Participating students will progress on a sure path toward admission and graduation with a valuable degree from Fresno State. They will develop and exercise their innate talents toward the benefit of our vibrant community. By collaborating with our partner school districts through this new program, we will promote a strong college-going culture.”
The following school districts have agreed to partner with Fresno State on the Bulldog Bound program: Fresno Unified, Visalia Unified, Fowler Unified, Sanger Unified, Parlier Unified, Central Unified and University High School.
“I see this new guaranteed admissions program to Fresno State as a game-changer for our students, many of whom simply are not thinking about Fresno State as their goal soon enough,” says Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson. “This partnership is great for our families and great for our region.”
By participating in Bulldog Bound, students receive:
- Guaranteed admissions as early as ninth grade.
- 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.
“This collaboration not only benefits the individual students and supports their families, but it also strengthens the educational pipeline in our region and cultivates a brighter future for all,” says Dr. Kent Willis, vice president of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State.
Signing up for the program does not obligate students to attend Fresno State, though it provides the most comprehensive and streamlined pathway toward becoming a Bulldog.
Guaranteed admission means there will be a spot at Fresno State for participating students; it does not guarantee entry into certain impacted programs.
Top Photo: Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval announces the Bulldog Bound admissions program on May 10 at the Resnick Student Union.
