Sunbird Flight Plan officially launches with four SCCCD colleges

The existing partnership between Fresno Pacific University and State Center Community College District (SCCCD) was further strengthened during a signing ceremony on August 31, 2026. The "Sunbird Flight Plan" is a partnership with all four SCCCD colleges-Madera Community College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College and Fresno City College. The agreement creates a clearer pathway for local community college students to continue their education at FPU, including guaranteed admission for eligible students.

Under the agreement, students from SCCCD colleges who complete at least 24 transferable units with a minimum 2.4 GPA are guaranteed admission to Fresno Pacific. The guaranteed admission pathway is available for FPU's traditional undergraduate and degree completion programs.

Several attendees, including representatives from all five colleges, SCCCD and local media, gathered in the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center, located at the FPU main Fresno campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.

President André Stephens began the ceremony by thanking all who were in attendance and those who worked behind the scenes to make these partnerships a reality. "Today represents more than a signing," Stephens said. "It represents a shared commitment to students in the Valley." Stephens also remarked on how these Valley institutions are stronger together and are by partnering with each other they will benefit the lives of students and the communities they serve.

SCCCD Deputy Chancellor Christine Holt-McDonald spoke next, highlighting the institutions' shared commitment to student success. "The Sunbird Flight Plan will help students find their wings," she said. "We look forward to students becoming Sunbirds and seeing them soar."

The president of each SCCCD college then had an opportunity to speak. Madera Community College President Angel Reyna, Reedley College President Jerry Buckley, Clovis Community College President Kim E. Armstrong and Fresno City College President Denise Whisenhunt each addressed those in attendance.

All of the four SCCCD presidents commented on their shared desire to see students succeed and thrive, as well as their excitement for this streamlined path to FPU.

The final individual to speak was Fresno Pacific Student Government Association President Andrew Mora. "Transfer students are an important part of the FPU community," Mora said. "They bring their own experiences, perspectives and accomplishments and they make our university stronger."

President Stephens then signed a memorandum of understanding with each of the four college presidents, officially launching the Sunbird Flight Plan with SCCCD.

For more information on the Sunbird Flight Plan, visit fresno.edu/flightplan.

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