Shaping
Tomorrow,
Together

As the university’s nonprofit auxiliary, Cal Poly Partners’ purpose is crystal clear: to propel Cal Poly forward.

Cal Poly Partners is a mission-driven organization built on the belief of positive doing to elevate education, empower individuals and enhance the university experience.

Through our flexible approach and an unyielding spirit, we break boundaries to provide essential university resources and services. Our unwavering commitment to these principles is what sets us apart.

At Cal Poly Partners, we don’t just provide services; we forge partnerships that shape the future. Join us in building a brighter tomorrow for Cal Poly and its community. Together, we can accomplish more than we ever imagined.

News

Students making chocolate

Serving as a Nonprofit

Cal Poly Partners is a nonprofit, self-supporting entity. Unlike the university, we receive no state funding. Every dollar generated by our activities goes back to Cal Poly, providing vital resources to the campus community.

Mission, Vision and Values

PARTNERS IN MUSTANG SUCCESS 

Enhancing Campus Life

We take immense pride in our role as a vital contributor to campus life. From delicious dining options to affordable textbooks, cutting-edge technology to academic supplies, spirited gear to faculty and staff housing, Cal Poly Partners is here to enhance the Cal Poly experience. We’re more than just a service provider; we’re an integral part of the fabric that makes Cal Poly thrive.

Commercial Services

A portion of Cal Poly campus

Advancing Learn by Doing

We are an active supporter of Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy. Cal Poly Partners provides fiscal and administrative services to commercial units that involve student staffing and learning. From Swanton Pacific Ranch to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University Graphic Systems, and various agricultural enterprise operations, we facilitate hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for the real world.

Partnering in Mustang Success

Participating in research at the Center for Health Research has positively impacted my undergraduate experience. It’s equipped me with hands-on learning, deepened my research expertise, and further developed essential skills for my future career. I am grateful to Cal Poly Partners for their invaluable support in making our research activities a reality.

Katie YlarreguiKinesiology 2024, Student Research Assistant, Center for Health Research

Cal Poly Partners touches the lives of students in so many ways — including discounted books at the Mustang Shop, coffee from a local roaster, and the opportunity to research phytoplankton on the Cal Poly pier. Their partnership with the university is central to the Cal Poly experience and to making Learn by Doing a reality.

Jeffrey D. ArmstrongPresident, Cal Poly

Developing Attainable Housing

Working alongside the university, we are actively striving to meet the housing needs of Cal Poly faculty and staff. Cal Poly Partners is currently developing new neighborhoods on and near campus that will offer for sale and rental housing. This new housing will complement our established Bella Montana faculty and staff community.

Real Estate Development and Services

A house
A student smiling

Empowering Through Employment

Beyond our core services, we are also one of the largest employers in San Luis Obispo County. In the 2022-23 academic year, we employed over 3,100 students. As a Cal Poly Partners employee, students not only earn a paycheck but also gain invaluable life and career skills, positioning them for success beyond graduation.

Work With Us

Alleviating Food Insecurity

We partner closely with the university’s basic needs program to help alleviate food insecurity on campus. In the 2023-24 academic year, we aim to provide 50,000 meals to students in need. That’s a 4x increase over last year. This donation is in addition to our annual contribution to Cal Poly Athletics, ensuring that student-athletes have access to free or reduced meals.

Donate Now

Students standing with collected oranges

News

1901 Kitchen offers new buffet-style dining at Cal Poly

1901 Kitchen offers new buffet-style dining at Cal Poly

A buffet-style restaurant opened in 1901 Marketplace on Wednesday. With a rotating menu for lunch and dinner, the 1901 kitchen changes its menu weekly. The venue is open Monday through Thursday, with lunch served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9...

Cal Poly acquires new San Luis Obispo neighborhood housing for staff

Cal Poly acquires new San Luis Obispo neighborhood housing for staff

More housing is now available for staff and faculty of Cal Poly. 120 new housing units are available for faculty and staff at newly constructed Harvest Lofts. Cal Poly Partners say housing in San Luis Obispo is very challenging to secure. The school says they need up...

Cal Poly Partners Plaza has grand opening at Alex G. Spanos Stadium

Cal Poly Partners Plaza has grand opening at Alex G. Spanos Stadium

Cal Poly Partners opened its brand new Plaza located behind the north endzone at Alex G. Spanos Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 11. The 14,000-square-foot area can be used to host concerts and other live events when Cal Poly athletics are away from home. “We have the VIP...