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

Our Cal Poly research group moved to the tech park several years ago, and we love it here! Our office spaces are perfectly set up for research and it is nice to be surrounded by other people who are working at an intersection of academics, research and other endeavors. Not to mention, it’s new, clean and well maintained.

Casey HeaneyProject Manager, Center for Health Research

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

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

Cal Poly’s dining scene from behind the counter

Cal Poly’s dining scene from behind the counter

The scent of freshly cooked food wafts as one walks through 1901 Marketplace. Tables line the wall, students are seen studying or hanging out with friends. They enjoy meals they bought from the different dining options available at this particular venue.  A similar...

C.A.R.E I.S. November Recognitions Are In

C.A.R.E I.S. November Recognitions Are In

Cal Poly Partners staff were asked to recognize Collaborative colleagues in November to kick off the C.A.R.E I.S. campaign, and they came through. Staff members from across the organization from Payroll to Marine Science, Human Resources to the Strawberry Center and...

Cal Poly Partners Wins 11 MarCom Awards

Cal Poly Partners Wins 11 MarCom Awards

Cal Poly Partner’s Marketing and Communications Department recently took home 11 international MarCom awards for programs, campaigns, branding and materials promoting outstanding collaborations and initiatives performed by the Cal Poly International Center, Kennedy...

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...