Why Be a Scholar?

Cal Poly Scholars receive a scholarship that is automatically renewed on an annual basis during their time as an undergraduate student (up to 6-years). Scholarship renewal is dependent on academic standing/status, completion of program agreements, and compliance with University conduct standards.

As a result of participating in the Scholars program, Scholars will be able to identify, select, and access personally relevant campus resources and develop a personal support network.

Specific departments the program collaborates with to support Scholar success include:

• All academic colleges and advising centers
• Basic Needs Initiative
• Career Services
• Disability Resource Center
• Educational Opportunity Program
• Mustang Success Center
• Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Transfer Center
• TRIO Achievers
• University Housing
• University Retention

Examples of the support network in action include:

• College Connections – These college-specific event bring together Scholars, staff, faculty, and administrators from their respective college to get to know one another as well as opportunities within the college.
• Proactive Advising – Working closely with the Mustang Success Center, proactive and intentional academic advising is provided to all Year 1 Scholars. Continued college-specific advising is offered and encouraged by the college advising centers for all Transfer Scholars and Year 2+ Scholars.
• Peer to Peer Connections – Whether you are a Year 1 Scholar or a New Transfer Scholar you have the opportunity to connect with other scholars through intentional and supportive peer to peer relationships. Scholar Mentors for Year 1 Scholars and Academic Coaches for New Transfer Scholars are available to help you navigate Cal Poly and be your biggest supporter! 

As a result of participating in the Scholars program, Scholars will be able to develop a sense of belonging as a member of a community of Scholars.

This is accomplished through several components including:

• Residential Learning Communities - The Cal Poly Scholars Year 1 and Year 2+ residential learning communities foster inclusive spaces where Scholars can socialize, learn, and feel at home. Educational, academic, and cultural events are offered throughout the communities with the support of student-led residential councils, Coordinators of Student Development (CSDs), Residential Advisors (RAs), faculty-in-residence, and professional staff.
• Social Gatherings - Whether you enjoy bowling, playing board games, or conversing over a cup of hot tea, meet others like you at events that encourage interaction and taking a break from the rigors of classwork.

As a result of participating in the Scholars program, Scholars will develop knowledge, skills, and competencies for lifelong personal and professional success.

Several ways continued development is encouraged are:

• Career Development Workshops - Working closely with Career Services and other profession-focused partners, several career-based workshops are offered throughout the year. Some highlights have been Leading the Way: Entering the Workforce as a First-Generation Professional, Networking 101, Leveraging Your LinkedIn, and a panel of Scholars providing tips at How I Landed My Internship.
• Life Skills Workshops - Through collaborations with multiple offices, workshops such as How to Be My Own Best Advocate, Beat the Blues, Budget Bites, Unlock Your Study Abroad Journey, Building Your Credit, and SMART Goal Setting are examples of workshops that encourage Scholars to reflect and take meaningful action.

Incoming students are automatically considered for the Cal Poly Scholars program when they apply for financial aid by filing a FAFSA or a California Dream Application. Scholars are selected at the discretion of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. There is no additional application to be completed.