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Cal State Long Beach was recognized today as a 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education, a distinction earned thanks to the campus’ work in implementing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, ensuring that the next generation of college-aged students in California has the chance to attend and succeed in college. This is the second year The Beach has been named an Equity Champion. 

The acknowledgment comes from , a nonprofit organization devoted to creating a clearer pathway for community college students to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree.  

The Beach was also recognized as a top performer in the following categories: 

• CSU Associate Degree for Transfer Implementation – ensuring that over half of 2022 undergraduate transfers students were ADT earners, and that of those ADT earners, over half were on a guaranteed pathway. 
• Equity Champions for Black Students – ensuring that over half of its 2021 Black undergraduate transfer students were ADT earners, and that of those ADT earners, over half were on a guaranteed pathway. 
• Equity Champions for Latinx Students – ensuring that over half of 2021 Latinx undergraduate transfers were ADT earners, and that of those ADT earners, over half were on a guaranteed pathway. 

“To be named recipients of this honor affirms ������’s commitment to championing equity efforts and expanding access for all students,” said ������ Provost Karyn Scissum Gunn. “Our implementation of the ADT program plays a pivotal role on this campus, serving as a bridge for local community college students to access a Beach education. This effort places some of our most diverse students on a secure pathway to further pursue their educational and career goals with us.” 

The Associate Degree for Transfer or ADT program, also called a , was created by California community colleges and partnering institutions to make it easier for community college students to transfer to a guaranteed spot at a participating four-year university, where they can earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Students who meet the CSU’s minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed priority admission at a CSU campus. 

With an ADT, students can earn two degrees, their associate’s degree and a bachelor's degree, with only 120 units if they transfer into a CSU program that is similar to the associate’s degree they earned at a California community college. 

Since the passage of The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (SB 1440/Padilla) in 2010, California community colleges have awarded over 480,000 Associate Degrees for Transfer.