Several Orange County school districts have joined the California State University (CSU) Direct Admission Program. This program gives high school seniors early confirmation of their eligibility to attend 16 CSU campuses starting in fall 2026. The Santa Ana Unified School District announced that 1,393 seniors with GPAs of 2.5 or higher, who completed A–G coursework, were identified as CSU-eligible. These students received acceptance letters in November 2025. The initiative began as a pilot in Riverside County and is expanding statewide under Senate Bill 640. It automatically admits students who meet CSU’s minimum requirements.
Santa Ana Unified is one of at least four Orange County districts participating. The other districts are Capistrano, Garden Grove, and Los Alamitos unified school districts. Dr. Rebecca Pianta, Santa Ana Unified’s coordinator of college and career readiness, noted the role of school counselors and higher education coordinators in supporting students. Students must still complete the Cal State Apply application, finalize financial aid, and submit required documents to enroll. Some campuses or majors may have additional requirements.
In other education news, County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean announced the OCDE Innovation Funding Initiative. This program will provide up to $525,000 per district for projects aimed at improving student success. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has opened applications for its Member Education Award scholarship. Eligible student members can apply through January 31, 2026…