UC Davis and College Track Forge Pact for First-Gen Student Success

OAKLAND, CA – May 28, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster educational equity, the University of California, Davis, and the national nonprofit College Track have announced a formal partnership designed to create a more robust and supportive pathway for first-generation and under-resourced students to earn a college degree.

The collaboration formalizes a long-standing relationship between the two organizations. UC Davis has consistently been a top enrollment choice for students from College Track's California programs. This new agreement aims to deepen that connection, signaling a powerful institutional commitment to making higher education accessible to all, regardless of their background.

"This partnership demonstrates how a nonprofit and a research university can come together to fuel first-generation student success," said Shirley M. Collado, Ph.D., President and CEO of College Track. "UC Davis has long been a destination for College Track's California scholars, and our agreement not only formalizes our existing relationship, it deepens it in meaningful ways."

A Blueprint for Institutional Support

This partnership is more than a ceremonial agreement; it represents a strategic model that is gaining traction across higher education. By pairing College Track's proven, long-term mentorship model with the resources of a top-tier public university, the collaboration aims to address the systemic barriers that can hinder student success.

College Track, which now has a network of 20 university partnerships, often establishes cohort-based pathways for its scholars. These models typically include significant financial aid commitments and direct involvement from high-level university administrators to ensure students receive comprehensive support. The goal is to cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging, a critical factor for students who are the first in their families to navigate the complexities of university life.

While specifics of the UC Davis collaboration will unfold, they are expected to align with College Track's successful initiatives at other institutions. These include immersive summer bridge programs, "fly-in" opportunities for prospective students to experience campus life, and unique academic programs designed to build confidence and skills before the first semester even begins.

The core conviction, shared by both organizations, is that access without support is not enough. The partnership is designed to build a pipeline where students from under-resourced communities don't just apply to college—they arrive, thrive, and graduate.

Bolstering an Already Strong Foundation

The alliance is a natural fit for UC Davis, an institution that has already demonstrated a profound commitment to its first-generation student population. Approximately 45% of the university's undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college, a testament to its role as an engine of social mobility.

The university's existing infrastructure is extensive. The campus-wide First-Generation Initiative connects students with faculty and resources, while the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and its Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) provide crucial summer bridge experiences, peer mentorship, and academic guidance. Programs like the "We Are First" Living Learning Community offer a dedicated space for first-gen students to build community and support one another.

This new partnership with College Track is set to integrate with and amplify these efforts. By creating a formalized channel for College Track scholars, UC Davis can more effectively connect a pre-vetted, highly motivated group of students with its tailored support systems from day one. For the university, it's a strategic investment that enhances its mission of public service and enriches its student body with diverse, resilient, and high-achieving individuals.

"Earning a college degree changes the course of a student's life, creating new opportunities for personal growth and generational economic mobility," said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. "At UC Davis, we're committed to ensuring those opportunities are within reach for talented students from every background. We look forward to partnering with College Track to help more students achieve their college dreams."

Addressing National Hurdles in Higher Education

The UC Davis and College Track partnership arrives at a critical time for higher education in the United States. While the value of a degree is widely recognized, students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds face disproportionate challenges. Financial burdens, exacerbated by the declining purchasing power of federal Pell Grants, remain a primary obstacle. Furthermore, the emotional and psychological stress of navigating an unfamiliar environment can lead to feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome.

This is where comprehensive support models prove their worth. College Track's approach, which begins in high school and continues through college graduation, has yielded remarkable results. Its scholars graduate at a rate more than two and a half times the national average for their first-generation peers. This success is built on a foundation of mentorship, academic coaching, and fostering a sense of belonging—precisely the elements this partnership seeks to strengthen.

By formalizing their relationship, UC Davis and College Track are sending a clear message that equity and access are not peripheral concerns but are central to the mission of modern higher education. This collaboration serves as a powerful example of how institutions can move beyond rhetoric and take concrete, structural steps to ensure that the promise of a college education is attainable for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and citizens.