More than 300 Bay Area students will explore college opportunities and prepare for their senior year
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – July 18, 2026: 10,000 Degrees and San Francisco State University (SFSU) will host the 2026 College Access Summit on Saturday, July 18, 2026, bringing together more than 300 students from across eight Bay Area regions for a FREE day of college exploration, community building and senior-year preparation.
Hosted in collaboration with San Francisco State University’s Educational Opportunity Programs and Enrollment Partnership Engagement, the convening will provide students with access to college resources, workshops, campus experiences and peer connections designed to support their transition to higher education. This event is one component of the collaboration between SFSU and 10,000 Degrees. Designed to increase college access and graduation rates for low-income students, the partnership establishes a pipeline from high school through college graduation and beyond.
Key initiatives of the partnership include:
- Guaranteed Admission: SFSU will guarantee admission to all CSU-eligible 10,000 Degrees students, clearing a direct path to higher education.
- On-Campus, Near-Peer Coaching: 10,000 Degrees will deploy dedicated fellows directly onto the SFSU campus to provide students with strategic guidance.
- Priority Financial Aid: Scholars will have access to institutional financial aid and scholarships, reducing the burden of college costs.
- Dedicated Institutional Support: SFSU is providing a dedicated staff liaison, on-campus workspaces, and integrated institutional resources to support student retention.
- Data-Driven Strategy: A FERPA-compliant data-sharing framework will allow leadership teams from both organizations to conduct regular strategic check-ins, tracking student progress to ensure long-term academic success.
The day-long event will feature workshops, student engagement activities, campus tours, resource sessions and opportunities for students to connect with peers from across the Bay Area. New this year, students will participate in an interactive college exploration activity designed to help them identify and evaluate best-fit college options through informative workshops.
Students will also learn about campus resources available to support their academic success and well-being throughout their college journey.
The summit includes transportation for students from all eight Bay Area regions and free lunch provided by San Francisco State University. Approximately 40 volunteers and 10,000 Degrees staff members will support students throughout the day.
Last year’s 2025 College Access Summit demonstrated strong outcomes among participating students:
- 97% reported they understood how 10,000 Degrees can support them during their senior year
- 96% reported increased awareness about college opportunities
- 89% reported feeling prepared for their senior year after attending the summit