San José State Launches the Pathways to Success Initiative with South Bay Partners

by Sean Woodland | Oct 15, 2025 | Community Engagement, Featured

Sammy the Spartan and SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson pose with Gilroy High School leaders on October 14. Photo: Gilroy Unified School District.

San José State University is looking towards South Santa Clara County as it continues its efforts to ensure that more local students can see a clear and supported path to a four-year degree.

Through its “Pathways to Success” initiative, SJSU is collaborating with Morgan Hill Unified School District (MHUSD) and Gilroy Unified School District (GUSD) to increase college access for historically underserved communities. These partnerships build on years of outreach, relationship-building, and alignment around college and career readiness goals.

Andrew Wright, SJSU, Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Morgan Hill School District

SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and Andrew Wright (left) at Morgan Hill High School in September.

“Partnerships like this are at the very core of San José State University’s mission. We exist to serve our region by providing an excellent, accessible education that equips students to succeed in college, career, and life,” says SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. “This partnership ensures that students right here in our community have clear and supported pathways to higher education. By guaranteeing admission for CSU-eligible students, we are opening doors, expanding opportunities, and affirming that every student has a place at SJSU.”

Students in MHUSD and GUSD will benefit from guaranteed admission pathways and expansion into dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school helping them save time and money. SJSU will also be providing workshops, college readiness events and campus visits to help students envision themselves as Spartans.

“These partnerships align with SJSU’s strategic plan to create seamless pathways from K-12 to degree completion,” says SJSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr. “We are ensuring that students are prepared for academic success from day one.”

SJSU leadership and officials from MHUSD and GUSD held a pair of in-person events to officially launch the partnerships. The partnership with MHUSD formally launched on September 25 with an event at Live Oak High School with GUSD getting kicked off on October 14 at Christopher High School.