March 24, 2000

Sweetwater District's Class of 2006 Has Admissions Pact with SDSU

Sporting Future SDSU Aztec T-shirts, a dozen incoming seventh graders—representing Sweetwater District's Class of 2006—stepped forward to witness an agreement that will guarantee every member of their class admission to San Diego State University.


Students representing the South Bay Union, National and Chula Vista school districts wear their “Future Aztecs” t-shirts, symbolizing their participation in the “Compact for Success” program. Adults in back row, L-R: SDSU President Stephen Weber, Sweetwater Trustee Jim Cartmill, Sweetwater Superintendent Ed Brand, Metabolife CEO Michael Ellis, Sweetwater Trustees Greg Sandoval, Bob Griego and Arlie Ricasa.

On behalf of more than 5,000 of their classmates, the students helped SDSU President Stephen Weber, Sweetwater Superintendent Ed Brand and Michael Ellis, head of the Ellis Foundation, announce the partnership program at a March 8 ceremony at Hilltop Middle School.

The Compact for Success: Guaranteed Admission/Guaranteed Tuition pilot ensures admission to SDSU for students who reach the program's specified benchmarks, starting in seventh grade. Parents and students will sign a contract that outlines their responsibilities.

For students who meet benchmarks but can't afford college, the program's tuition guarantee kicks in. A $500,000 scholarship fund from the Ellis Foundation, headed by former Sweetwater district graduate Michael Ellis, will pay the way for those meeting financial need criteria.

At the announcement ceremony, Ellis told student representatives they are a valuable asset that the community can not afford to lose. "We could have the cure for cancer right here," he said, "but if all of you don't have the opportunity for a college education, we could miss out."

Calling the agreement the only one of its kind in the nation, Sweetwater Superintendent Ed Brand said the project goes a long way in raising students' expectations. "The Class of 2006 is going to set their sights for college, and we're going to support their achievement every step of the way."


Sweetwater Superintendent Ed Brand explains the “Compat for Success: The Guaranteed Admission/Guarantedd Tuition” programs as students from three feeder elementary districts listen.

As part of their commitment, Sweetwater and SDSU have pledged tutoring and other assistance to help the Class of 2006 meet their benchmarks.

Sweetwater's Board President Greg Sandoval said he expects the program to ensure a more diverse group of district students are university-bound. "College is the currency for success in the future. This program will provide the skills needed so all students can cash in on the opportunities a college education affords."

San Diego State University President Stephen Weber added that the pilot program will help students work through any obstacles to higher education. "We're holding out our hand to these students and saying if you work hard and meet the requirements, we promise to have a place for you at SDSU."

Parents and students can expect a complete packet of information on The Compact for Success: Guaranteed Admission/Guaranteed Tuition Program sometime during the summer.

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