California State University, Northridge
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Over the last 30 years the EOP at CSUN provides a Transitional Program experience to new incoming first time freshmen and first time transfer students which research suggest is essential for academic success. The Transitional Programs include a: Residential Bridge, Commuter Bridge, FreshStart and Transfer Bridge. All EOP first time freshmen are required to do a Transitional Program in preparation for their first fall semester. These programs are designed to assist students with their acclimation to the university environment. The program's goals are to give students a head start toward a successful college experience and the opportunity to begin building community with other students. All of the Bridge programs with the exception of FreshStart, include an intense summer academic experience with academic credit. These programs are all free of charge to the student and; completing a Bridge Program will satisfy the CSU and campus Early Start requirements. These programs do then in fact minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students.

These programs are designed to assist students with their acclimation to the university environment. The program's goals are to give students a head start toward a successful college experience and the opportunity to begin building community with other students. Our programs include: Residential Bridge Commuter Bridge FreshStart Transfer Bridge All of the Bridge programs with the exception of FreshStart, include an intense summer academic experience with academic credit. Things to know about EOP Transitional Programs: • All EOP first time freshmen are required to do a Transitional Program. • Completing a Bridge Program will satisfy the Early Start requirements. • All of these programs are free of charge.

CSUN offers several scholarships to students, and one specifically to low-income students called The Edison Scholars Scholarship.

The institution does not have policies in place to specifically support non-traditional students. It does however house the EOP which by definition and legislative mandate, is designed specifically to support the access, transition, persistence and graduation of non-traditional students at CSU, Northridge. It should be noted that these non-traditional students also include a growing number of former foster youth. In recent years EOP has also received federal funding to further target non-traditional students for additional services to the neediest of needy. This is done through our TRIO Student Support Services Grant. There are other like programs on campus housed in the Division of Students Affairs specifically the office of Student Outreach and Recruitment.

The A.S. Children’s Center is a high-quality early childhood program that provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. They are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which administers a national, voluntary, professionally sponsored accreditation system for all types of preschools and child care centers. The availability of affordable quality child care has been cited as one of the most critical barriers to the academic success of students with young children. A.S. Children's Center first opened its doors in 1973, and by 1976 it was accepted as a State Child Development Center. In 2001, a new building was completed, and the Children’s Center was expanded to its present size with a licensed capacity of 140 children. The center's first priority has always been to provide a safe humanistic environment that is conducive to the growth of both children and adults.

CSU, Northridge is host to the Educational Opportunity Program which is a California legislated program designed to provide access opportunities and an array of holistic academic support services to historically financially needy, underserved and underrepresented populations. EOP provides for a modest annual grant of $800 until the student graduates or five years whichever is first. Only students who file a FASFA and are determined eligible for the Pell Grant are eligible for admission to EOP. This program grant is intended to make the CSU campus accessible and affordable to a limited (about 500 per year) number low income students.