Oct 07, 2024 Cal-SOAP Celebrates 40 Years of Educational Impact

Oct. 7, 2024 - The Santa Barbara California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) is proud to announce the celebration of its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of dedicated service in improving college access for students who have been historically underrepresented in post-secondary education.

This milestone coincides with an exciting new chapter in the program's history, as Santa Barbara Cal-SOAP officially transitions to operate under the umbrella of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).

"Celebrating our 40th anniversary is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, partners, and the countless students and families who have benefited from our services over the years," said Joanna Romo, Project Director of Santa Barbara Cal-SOAP. "We are thrilled to be entering a new era as part of CSU Channel Islands, a partnership that will enable us to expand our reach and continue our mission of making higher education accessible to all."

Founded in 1984, the Santa Barbara Cal-SOAP has played a crucial role in increasing college-going rates among students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds in the Santa Barbara area. As part of a larger statewide initiative established by the State of California in 1978, Cal-SOAP was created to improve the flow of information about post-secondary education and financial aid, providing essential support to students in preparing for and gaining admission to colleges and universities.

Santa Barbara Cal-SOAP's transition to CSUCI underscores the program's commitment to evolving and adapting to meet the needs of today's students. As a part of the CSUCI community, Santa Barbara Cal-SOAP will continue to provide vital services including academic advising, college workshops, financial aid guidance, and much more, while benefiting from the resources and expertise of one of California's leading higher education institutions.

"Joining CSU Channel Islands represents a significant step forward for Santa Barbara Cal-SOAP," added Romo. "It enhances our ability to serve students and strengthens our capacity to make a meaningful impact on the college-going culture in our community."

For more information contact Joanna Romo at [email protected].