Leaders from both college, as well as both college mascots, pose for photos following the signing of a new partnership between the two schools. Photo contributed

The pathway to Fresno State has become even more accessible for Fresno City College students. The launch of the City-to-State Transfer Program will help students at the community college transfer to the university. 

About 900 Fresno City College students transfer to Fresno State each academic year. In a joint effort, leaders from both institutions are determined to increase that number to more than 1,200, demonstrating their commitment to facilitating the transfer process. 

Through the partnership, the two institutions will reduce matriculation barriers and hire a jointly-funded, dedicated Fresno City College transfer counselor to focus on this pathway. Upon hire, this position should be in place by fall 2024.

The program will also create a summer transfer experience event, including undergraduate research projects, to take place at Fresno State and continue strategic outreach programs.

The three-year agreement can be extended longer if both parties agree. 

“Fresno City College is a key educational partner in elevating the quality of life in our region; I am very pleased to partner with President Robert Pimentel on this significant collaboration,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.” This MOU will streamline the transfer process between Fresno City and Fresno State, helping remove barriers to Fresno State – a clear choice for our talented Fresno City College students, as we are a university with unparalleled value, rankings, and a supportive community.”

The presidents of Fresno State and Fresno City College signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the agreement last Friday in front of the Fresno City College Library, committing to strengthening relations and increasing the number of transfer students.

Fresno State mascot TimeOut and Fresno City College mascot Sam the Ram were on hand to help celebrate the agreement. 

“It is important for Fresno City College to enter into this formal partnership so that our students have a direct line to Fresno State to ensure their success at the university level,” Pimentel said. “While FCC students constitute the majority of transfer students each year to Fresno State, this agreement will help increase that number while advancing our college mission and equity goals.”