Napa Valley Unified School District Elevates College Access with Cal State East Bay and Sonoma State University Admission Partnership

The Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) announces an exciting new partnership with the California State University (CSU) at Sonoma State University and Cal State East Bay that will provide automatic admission for qualifying NVUSD students. This initiative marks a significant step forward in expanding college opportunities and streamlining the path to higher education for Napa Valley students.

This agreement will guarantee admission for NVUSD students who meet specific academic criteria, simplifying the college application process and providing a clear pathway to a four-year university experience within the CSU system.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with Sonoma State and CSU East Bay to offer this incredible opportunity to our students," said Dr. Rosanna Mucetti, NVUSD Superintendent. "This guaranteed admission pathway removes barriers and provides a direct route for many qualified NVUSD students to pursue higher education. It also reflects our core values of Partnerships and Collaboration and Equity and Access for Our Students, Staff, and Families, ensuring every NVUSD student is future-ready and has access to the resources they need for success."

“Cal State East Bay is thrilled to partner with Napa Valley Unified to expand access to higher education for students across the region,” said Cathy  Sandeen, President of Cal State East Bay. “This partnership not only simplifies the admissions journey — it also creates new opportunities for students of all backgrounds to see college as a real and reachable part of their future. Together, we are building bridges to brighter futures and unlocking potential in every student.”

“As part of its commitment to serving families and communities in the North Bay and beyond, Sonoma State is making a university education — and the career opportunities it creates — possible for every student with the drive to succeed,” said Emily F. Cutrer, Interim President of Sonoma State. “We could not be happier to welcome Napa Valley Unified School District to the growing group of school districts partnering with us in that effort and in making the Guaranteed Admission program such a success.”

“Our unwavering promise is to equip students for success in an ever-evolving world,” said NVUSD Trustee and President Eve Ryser. “Partnerships like these are one way we deliver on that commitment, opening vital pathways for our students to flourish. We are deeply thankful for the collaboration with our partners in higher education who ensure our students are truly future-ready.”

The partnership aligns NVUSD with a growing trend among California school districts establishing direct admission agreements with California State University (CSU) campuses. These agreements are designed to enhance college readiness and provide certainty for students navigating the post-secondary landscape, and provide students with two strong automatic admission options within the CSU system, further broadening their choices and securing their educational future.