The Cal Poly Fortune School Partnership
Cal Poly's Fortune Scholarship and Partnership is a transformative opportunity that gives high-achieving scholars in predominantly Black areas of California new pathways to education. The program is also committed to advancing education in California and beyond.
Working Together for a Brighter Future
This collaboration is centered around high-achieving scholars from predominantly Black communities in California and provides them a clear pathway to higher education at a prestigious institution. Scholarships, which are dependent on funding, have a direct influence on the lives of deserving students. However, the program's reach stretches beyond individual impact to foster a diverse talent pipeline and enhance education across California and beyond.
Unlocking Transformative Opportunities
- Access to resources: Focusing on underrepresented communities ensures that deserving students with potential have access to the resources they need to thrive.
- Academic support: Mentorship and tutoring help assure success once these students arrive on campus.
- Early College Credit: Concurrent enrollment in high school means students can matriculate as juniors in their first year.
Fortune Schools
The Rex and Margaret Fortune Early College High School integrates high school, college and workplace experiences, preparing rigorously vetted and high-achieving scholars for college and citizenship.
Fortune schools are focused on closing the African American achievement gap and establishing a culture of high expectations. The school makes a lasting impact by empowering students to consistently exceed expectations and to cultivate an understanding of democratic, nurturing leadership. The partnership also fosters ambassadors for higher education within the California State University system.
How Fortune and Cal Poly are Making a Difference
“Being a part of the Fortune program has afforded me so many amazing opportunities such as graduating from high school with two associate degrees and being able to attend a great school like Cal Poly. I am always grateful for my experience, time, and the family I have made while being a part of the Fortune program.”
Nailah DuBose (she/her/hers) is a third year Psychology major with Communication Studies and Sports & Exercise Studies minors. She is president of the Black Student Union, BEACoN Research Undergraduate Intern, Black Student Success Initiatives Liaison, and DEI Student Intern at OUDI.
Tyrone Butler
“In many respects, Fortune’s influence on my life is incredible. If they hadn’t taught, prepared, and helped me become the scholar I am, I wouldn’t be on the path I am today. I will always associate Fortune with providing me a brighter, more prosperous future. This partnership changed my life, and will continue to change the lives of others.”
Tyrone (he/him/his) is a second-year business administration major at Cal Poly with a focus on real estate finance. He is also a general-body member of the Black Student Union.
Isai
"Fortune’s dual-enrollment program has helped me excel in my classes at Cal Poly. I currently have straight A's and have made several professional relationships with my professors in aerospace. The scholarship takes care of all my needs, allowing me to stay focused on becoming the best Aerospace Engineer I can be."
Isai (they/them) is ambassador of the Honors Program and a member of Cru, and is pursuing advance aviation training through Sunwest Aviation out of San Luis Obispo Airport.
Makayla Pitts
"Through Fortune I was able to take community college courses as a high school student, which made the transition to university smoother because it gave me knowledge of how to interact with professors and handle college course assignments. Receiving a scholarship to Cal Poly is an incredible opportunity and privilege that means I won't have to worry about future debt."
Makayla (she/her/hers) is a first year Cal Poly student majoring in English. She's involved with the Black Student Union.
Yolonda Hudson
"Being a scholar at Fortune I was able to learn how to maximize performance and productivity, effectively exercise time management skills, and network to not only find resources throughout campus but make lifelong connections to aid the next generation of scholars after me. With these skills I have been able to make connections with staff and learn my major with ease to follow the dream of a six-year-old me, I get to be a farm girl."
Yolonda (she/her/hers) is a first-year Dairy Science major with third-year academic standing.She also participates in gospel choir club.
Jamel Cleaves
"Fortune made me a better person. It taught me to hold my head high and always reach higher. I learned that I deserve respect, and that I don’t need anyone else’s approval. On the education side, Fortune taught me how to learn effectively, how to properly take and digest notes and that education is not only in the classroom, but also in the real world."
Jamel (he/him/his) is a first year Cal Poly student majoring in ITP. He's involved with the Black Student Union, IT society and Poly Pack.
Kylynn Mireles
"As a black girl with large aspirations, I knew from a young age I wanted to go to college. However, the older I got, the more I realized the financial burden would be too much for my family. Today, I can say this scholarship is the only way I would have ever afforded college, and not put myself and my parents into crippling debt. I hope this program continues to open doors because it truly is life changing."
Kylynn Mireles (she/her/hers) is a second year student, majoring in English with a minor in Law and Society. She is the Step Team President within the Black Student Union and is on the Mock Trial team.
“This is a model that can be looked at, not just in California but across the country, to realize the promise of African-American students going to competitive colleges, graduate from them and earn their dream job.”