Cal State San Bernardino recently welcomed nearly 30 community college deans, department chairs, articulation counselors and university leaders to campus for the Community College Partnership Learning Community meeting, a collaborative effort focused on strengthening transfer pathways and improving student success across the region.

Led by Guillermo Escalante, associate dean and director of strategic partnerships and community engagement, the gathering brought together representatives from partner institutions, including Chaffey College, Moreno Valley College, Victor Valley College, Riverside City College, Norco College, College of the Desert, Barstow Community College and San Bernardino Valley College.

Hosted by CSUSB, the meeting centered on building stronger partnerships between the university and regional community colleges while identifying new strategies to better support transfer students from admission through graduation. Discussions highlighted the importance of early student engagement, clear transfer pathways, coordinated support systems and increased access to experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, research and career exploration programs.

Participants also celebrated several successful initiatives already making an impact for transfer students, including Instant Admit Days, Transfer Success Pathways outreach efforts, peer mentoring programs and expanded campus tours designed to help students feel connected to CSUSB before they transfer. Additionally, attendees emphasized the value of consistent communication and collaboration between institutions to streamline the student experience and remove barriers to enrollment and degree completion.

Throughout the meeting, attendees worked in breakout sessions to identify areas for continued improvement were discussed as part of CSUSB’s ongoing commitment to serving the diverse needs of Inland Empire communities.

The meeting reinforced CSUSB’s role as a regional leader in transfer student success and demonstrated the university’s continued commitment to creating clear, supportive and student-centered pathways from community college to a four-year degree. Through ongoing collaboration with community college partners, CSUSB continues to advance opportunities that help students thrive academically, professionally and personally.