Powering the Future
For 85 years, Cal Poly Partners has helped power what makes Cal Poly extraordinary. Every meal served. Every student employed. Every research breakthrough supported. Every faculty member housed. Every event that brings our campus together.
As Cal Poly’s strategic non-profit partner, we reinvest every dollar back into the university—creating opportunities for students, strengthening academic excellence and building a brighter future for the Mustang community. This year, we celebrated 85 years of impact by continuing to power what’s next.
By the Numbers
1,800
Student employees gaining real-world experience.
25,000+
Meals served daily across campus.
$2M+
Saved by students through affordable course materials.
$30.4M
In sponsored research expenditures supported.
20,000+
Conference and event guests welcomed.
85
Years Advancing Cal Poly.
Powering Student Success
Everything we do starts with students. Whether it’s affordable dining, lower-cost course materials, meaningful campus jobs or spaces where students connect and belong, our work helps every Mustang succeed.
This year we expanded dining with new campus locations including Julian’s Coffee House and Sequel Tea. Earned national awards for nutrition and dining innovation. Helped students save more than $2 million through Poly Access. And continued employing nearly 1,800 students, giving them valuable Learn by Doing experience.
Powering Innovation and Research
Great ideas need great support. Behind every research grant is a team helping faculty and students navigate funding, compliance and administration so they can focus on discovery.
This year we supported more than $30 million in sponsored research activity. Launched Workday to modernize research administration. Completed federal audits with no findings. And helped Cal Poly strengthen its research enterprise for future growth.
Powering Campus Life
The Mustang experience extends far beyond the classroom. From athletics and performances to conferences and campus traditions, we help create the experiences that bring our community together.
This year we served more than 20,000 conference and event guests. Hosted major campus and community events at Spanos Stadium. Celebrated Cal Poly Arts’ 40th Anniversary Season. And supported expanding youth arts programs to its highest participation since the pandemic.
Powering Affordability and Access
As a nonprofit, every dollar we generate stays here—supporting students and strengthening Cal Poly. This year we continued investing in programs and services that make the university more affordable and accessible. Highlights include expanding Poly Access savings, continuing to develop faculty and staff housing, opening the new downtown Mustang Shop and providing affordable dining options across campus.
Powering Learn by Doing
Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Across farms, ranches and centers and Institutes, students gained hands-on experience preparing them to be Ready Day One. This year we supported 18 agricultural enterprises. Expanded food production, online sales and student-run operations. Continued recovery and educational programming at Swanton Pacific Ranch. And increased opportunities for students through commercial agriculture and Bartleson Ranch.
Powering Tomorrow
For 85 years, Cal Poly Partners has helped the university adapt, grow and succeed. Today, we continue that commitment by investing in the people, programs and places that move Cal Poly forward. In the year ahead, we’ll strengthen campus services, support innovation and research, create more housing opportunities for faculty and staff, and build experiences that enrich Mustang life. Together, we’re shaping the future of Cal Poly.