Beginning this school year, Fresno Unified graduates will have new college opportunities after the district completes an agreement with Fresno Pacific University guaranteeing admission for them.

On Friday, Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her will sign the deal with Fresno Pacific President André Stephens that says any graduate with a 3.0 grade-point average or higher is guaranteed a spot at the private Mennonite university.

This will enable graduates to access the more than 100 areas of study in undergraduate, degree completion, graduate, and seminary levels at the university. About 4,500 students graduate each year from Fresno Unified.

Her said that she was grateful for the agreement and the opportunity it offers students.

“This partnership provides a clearer path to higher education and reinforces our commitment to ensuring every student is not only college and career ready, but also equipped with the opportunities to pursue their goals,” Her said.

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Fresno Pacific Partners With College of the Sequoias

Fresno Pacific also has opened up admissions to other local schools and community colleges.

“At Fresno Pacific, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a college education and discover their God-given potential,” Stephens said in a statement. “This partnership with Fresno Unified strengthens our commitment to serving students right here in the Central Valley, helping them see that a college education is within reach. We are excited to work alongside Fresno Unified, and we look forward to welcoming future Sunbirds from across Fresno.”

On Thursday, Fresno Pacific also signed an agreement with College of the Sequoias in Visalia that eases the transfer process.

For COS students with at least 24 transferrable units and a 2.4 grade-point average, they will have a guaranteed spot at the university.

President Brent Calvin of COS said it means more opportunities for students.

“We are thrilled to continue building on the 20-year relationship we have established with Fresno Pacific University,” Calvin said. “The more options our students have to stay here and make our Valley stronger, the better!”