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.
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.
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.
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
The Last 2024-25 C.A.R.E I.S. Recognitions Are In
This past month – the last of 2024-25 C.A.R.E I.S. – Cal Poly Partners staff wrapped up the inaugural year of the campaign with another outpouring of recognition and appreciation of fellow colleagues from across campus. “Roberto (Rodriguez) has been a...
Prominent SLO building is being transformed into Cal Poly’s new downtown home
One of downtown San Luis Obispo’s largest vacant spaces is boarded up as construction work finally gets underway to transform it for a new tenant: Cal Poly. The 24,500-square-foot two-level space will also be the new home of the university’s Center for Innovation...
Sequel Tea to replace Campus Market Starbucks next fall
Justin Chan, the founder of Sequel Tea, created a system for his company’s boba drinks: every single component is measured down to the gram. When he sells drinks to customers, proportionality and consistent quality are his top priorities. “Every single boba shop...
National Association of College & University Food Services recognizes campus dining programs around the U.S.
The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) announced the winners of its 2025 Loyal E. Horton Dining, Nutrition and Sustainability Awards Tuesday. Campus dining programs around the U.S. were recognized with gold, silver, and bronze...