The Spartan East Side Promise is a student-centered partnership between San José State University (SJSU) and the East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD)—offering ESUHSD students guaranteed admission to SJSU (even if admission to a specific major isn’t possible), as long as they meet defined GPA and A‑G course requirements and submit their Cal State Apply application on time 

• Eligible seniors with at least a 2.75 GPA (factoring in a +0.25 local boost for ESUHSD students) who complete all A‑G courses with C‑ or better qualify for provisional admission—either to their chosen major or as Undeclared if an impaction index isn’t met.

• Admission is through the standard CSU process (apply by Nov 30), and offers are posted via MySJSU between December and March. Accepted students then complete an Intent to Enroll by May 1st.

Click here for the Spartan East Side Promise flyer

• SESP provides academic and personal support through workshops, 1:1 pre‑admissions counseling, community events (like the “Becoming a Spartan” Reception), and the ESUHSD Spartan Summer Program—a hybrid orientation led by ESUHSD and SJSU staff with student peer mentors.

• Once on campus, students remain supported through peer mentoring, monthly check‑ins, enrollment workshops, and participation in the Growth Pledge, which includes personalized academic plans and accountability to help you stay on track to graduate.

• This program creates a structured, intentional pathway from high school to college graduation. Since its launch in 2016, SESP has grown into a model of equity and student success, with high retention and satisfaction rates among participants.

• ESUHSD students receive access to workshops, peer mentoring, scholarship opportunities, and help navigating the financial aid process—all designed to support first-generation and underserved students through admission and beyond.

Visit the official SJSU Spartan East Side Promise page, consult your school counselor, or contact the SESP team with the information below to schedule a pre‑admissions appointment 

eastsidepromise@sjsu.edu

408-924-2554

sjsu.edu/soar/spartaneastsidepromise

@sjsu_seap