TAKING THE FIRST STEP

Two leaders with a shared vision forged the Compact for Success, a partnership and agreement to step onto a path of academic achievement for the students who would need it most.

Dr. Ed Brand, Superintendent of the Sweetwater Union High School District, knew that more than half of his students would never know what it was like to attend college much less graduate.

He knew that he would have to find a new way of doing business if every child in the District were to be given the opportunity to go to college-- a dream and a right he believed every student should have.

Dr. Stephen Weber, President of San Diego State University, was deeply concerned about the growing lack of diversity on campus and how difficult it was for students to stay in college once they were admitted. “It is our mission to serve our community. Are we doing all that we can?”

The Compact for Success path is a guarantee for Sweetwater students-- admission to SDSU with a 3.0 grade point average and graduation within four years. By setting clear bechmarks of success, the students have a path and a focus. They can trust that the support will be there when they need it most.