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.
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.
— 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News
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
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 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
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...