NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ernesto Rivera, Director of College & Community Relations
Ernesto.rivera@gcccd.edu
October 22, 2026
Grossmont College Named a 2026 Pathway Champion of Transfer by the Campaign for College Opportunity
Graphic: 2026 The Campaign for College Opportunity Pathways Champions: Celebrating
California colleges and universities removing barriers and accelerating student success.
El Cajon, CA - Grossmont College has been named a 2026 Pathway Champion of Transfer
by the Campaign for College Opportunity, recognizing the college’s exceptional commitment
to creating equitable opportunities for California students pursuing a university
degree. This honor highlights Grossmont College’s success in helping students achieve
their educational goals through the effective implementation of Associate Degrees
for Transfer.
The award recognizes community colleges with the highest number of Associate Degrees
for Transfer awarded per 50 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students. Grossmont College
has been recognized multiple times, and has earned distinction as one of California’s
leading institutions in transfer degree implementation, helping students, particularly
those from historically underrepresented communities, navigate a clear and accessible
path to a bachelor’s degree.
“Being recognized as a Pathway Champion of Transfer reflects Grossmont College’s unwavering
commitment to student success and educational equity,” said Pamela Luster, Grossmont
College Interim President. “Every Associate Degree for Transfer we award represents
a student moving one step closer to achieving their academic, career, and personal
aspirations. We are proud to provide opportunities that help remove barriers and open
doors for our students.”
Associate Degrees for Transfer were established to simplify the transfer process between
California community colleges and CSU campuses, offering students guaranteed admission
to the CSU system in a related major and reducing unnecessary coursework that can
delay graduation. Through intentional academic support, counseling, transfer planning,
and degree pathways, Grossmont College has become a statewide leader in helping students
successfully complete transfer degrees.
The recognition highlights Grossmont College’s ongoing efforts to close equity gaps
and increase college completion rates. By expanding access to transfer pathways, the
college continues to support first-generation college students, students from low-income
backgrounds, and others who have traditionally faced systemic barriers in higher education.
Associate Degrees for Transfer were established to simplify the transfer process between
California community colleges and CSU campuses, offering students guaranteed admission
to the CSU system in a related major and reducing unnecessary coursework that can
delay graduation. Through intentional academic support, counseling, transfer planning,
and degree pathways, Grossmont College has become a statewide leader in helping students
successfully complete transfer degrees.
Each year, the Campaign for College Opportunity honors California Community College
and California State University campuses that are transforming transfer opportunities
and helping more students earn bachelor’s degrees. On October 22, 2026, the organization
will recognize 40 colleges and universities as Pathway Champions during a virtual
statewide celebration.
Grossmont College’s achievement reflects its broader mission of fostering student
success, social mobility, and educational excellence. By prioritizing transfer readiness
and degree completion, the college continues to help students turn their college aspirations
into reality while strengthening California’s future workforce and economy.
About Grossmont College
Grossmont College has served the diverse educational needs of the San Diego’s East
County region since classes began in 1961. Grossmont College offers more than 150
degree and certificate programs, such as allied health, nursing, culinary arts, administration
of justice, science, fine and performing arts, and drone technology, that attract
students from across the county. Grossmont College is a top transfer school to San
Diego State University, and home to signature career education programs that train
the region’s workforce in in-demand careers. For more information, visit www.grossmont.edu.
About the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (District) includes Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, which offer hundreds of degree and certificate
programs, including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Advanced/Basic Certificates.
The District is the largest provider of higher education and job training in East
County, and is a top transfer pathway to San Diego State University. The colleges
lead the way in developing educational programs, classes, and services to support
our students, and prepare them to meet the needs of changing community and workforce
requirements, while advancing social justice and economic mobility. Learn more and
enroll at www.gcccd.edu/enroll.
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