The Impact of Giving

Empowering students to achieve their potential and create lasting change in their communities and our region.

Commencement

Transforming Lives. Strengthening Our Region.

At Cal State Monterey Bay, every gift helps expand opportunity — for our students, our communities and the future we’re building together. Your support empowers motivated, bright students to achieve their full potential, pursue meaningful careers and create lasting change across the Central Coast and beyond.

From scholarships and hands-on learning to innovative programs and community partnerships, giving fuels a student-centered experience grounded in access, equity and real-world impact. Together, we are investing in academic excellence, advancing student success and shaping solutions that uplift our region.

The Impact of Opportunity

Expanding opportunity at CSUMB means investing in people, ideas and experiences that transform lives. Through initiatives in academic excellence, student success and program innovation, philanthropic support strengthens faculty leadership, expands access to scholarships and advances programs that respond to regional and global needs.

Faculty Leadership That Drives Student Success

Endowed faculty positions are a powerful investment in student success and academic innovation. At Cal State Monterey Bay, these roles support exceptional educators and scholars whose work enhances learning, strengthens community partnerships, and advances knowledge across disciplines. Together, they help shape a more inclusive, innovative future.


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Endowed Faculty Scholarship

The Endowed Faculty Scholarship expands research and creative activity among Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences faculty. This support allows faculty to deepen their expertise, pursue post-doctoral work, and contribute new knowledge to their fields.

Students benefit directly from this investment through enriched learning experiences, mentorship, and exposure to current research that connects classroom learning to real-world impact.

College of Business

Sustainable Hospitality Endowed Professor

The Sustainable Hospitality Endowed Professor will lead innovative programs rooted in the unique assets of the Monterey Bay region. This role supports the development of responsible, forward-thinking leaders in hospitality.

By integrating sustainability, regional partnerships, and hands-on learning, this professorship prepares students to shape the future of hospitality with purpose and impact.

Agribusiness Endowed Professor

The Agribusiness Endowed Professor will advance a program focused on the future of food systems. Areas of emphasis include perishable commodities, supply chain management, precision agriculture, and sustainable and emerging farming practices.

Students gain practical experience and insight into one of the region’s most vital industries, preparing them to lead in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

College of Education

English Learner Endowed Professor

The English Learner Endowed Professor strengthens Cal State Monterey Bay’s commitment to serving multilingual communities. Through partnerships with local school districts, this role supports the preparation and ongoing development of bilingual educators.

Graduates are equipped to advance educational equity and support California’s diverse student population, particularly English Learners.

Office of the Provost

Service Learning Endowed Professor

The Service Learning Endowed Professor advances one of Cal State Monterey Bay’s signature strengths: learning through community engagement.

This role supports innovation in service learning across in-person, online, and global contexts. Students apply their knowledge in real-world settings, building skills, deepening their understanding of complex issues, and making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Expanding Opportunity. Empowering Every Student.

Scholarship support at Cal State Monterey Bay opens doors for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue their goals with confidence. These investments do more than reduce the cost of college—they remove barriers and expand access to an inclusive, high-quality education.

Rooted in the university’s founding mission, scholarships help students thrive academically, engage in meaningful experiences, and graduate prepared to lead in their communities and careers.


Student Scholarships by Area

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Support students exploring creativity, culture, and social impact through scholarships that foster critical thinking and community engagement.

College of Business

Provide scholarships that prepare students to lead with innovation, ethics, and a focus on regional and global economic impact.

College of Education

Invest in future educators who are committed to equity, bilingual education, and serving diverse communities.

College of Health Sciences and Human Services

Support students preparing for careers that promote health, well-being, and access to essential services.

College of Science

Empower students pursuing scientific discovery and solutions to real-world challenges through hands-on learning and research.

Office of the Provost

UROC Student Travel

Support student researchers by funding travel to present their work at conferences and professional gatherings, expanding their academic and career opportunities.

Athletics

Student Scholarships

Provide opportunities for student-athletes to excel in the classroom and in competition while building leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Innovating Programs. Expanding Possibilities.

Cal State Monterey Bay’s Program Innovation Initiative supports forward-thinking programs that respond to regional needs, strengthen student learning, and create lasting community impact. These investments foster interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on experiences, and inclusive pathways that prepare students to lead in a changing world.


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Endowed Social Justice Colloquium

The Social Justice Colloquium brings scholars, artists, and community voices together for an annual interdisciplinary conference. Through public lectures and panel discussions, students engage with timely issues and diverse perspectives.

Endowing the colloquium ensures ongoing access to high-impact learning experiences that reflect the university’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and social responsibility.

College of Business

The Entrepreneurship Fund

The Entrepreneurship Fund supports the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED), a hub for entrepreneurship and regional growth.

Through programs like Startup Monterey Bay, students gain hands-on experience launching ideas, collaborating across disciplines, and building ventures that contribute to the region’s evolving business and technology ecosystem.

College of Education

Monterey Institute for English Learners

The Monterey Institute for English Learners prepares educators to serve multilingual communities through strong partnerships with local school districts.

Students and educators gain the skills and credentials needed to support California’s English Learners and advance equitable outcomes in K-12 education.

Teacher Pathway Program

The Teacher Pathway Program creates opportunities for future educators in South Monterey County. In partnership with Hartnell College, this “grow your own” model supports students in becoming elementary and special education teachers in their home communities.

The program addresses critical teacher shortages while strengthening local schools and expanding access to the teaching profession.

College of Health Sciences and Human Services

Physician Assistant Program

The Physician Assistant Program prepares students to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care in diverse communities.

Students develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional experience needed to improve health outcomes and expand access to care across the region.

Diversity Celebration Series

The Diversity Celebration Series connects students, professionals, and community members with leaders and innovators in health and human services.

These events highlight diverse perspectives and lived experiences, strengthening cultural understanding and advancing more inclusive, responsive care.

Exercise Physiology and Strength Conditioning Equipment

Investments in advanced labs and training facilities support hands-on learning in exercise science, human performance, and sports medicine.

Students gain experience with industry-standard equipment and technologies, preparing them for careers that promote health, performance, and well-being.

College of Science

Marine Science Endowment

The Marine Science Endowment supports immersive, hands-on learning experiences that define the student journey at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Sustained funding ensures future generations of students can engage in fieldwork, research, and discovery along one of the world’s most dynamic coastal environments.

Office of the Provost

Baccalaureate Completion Initiative

The Baccalaureate Completion Initiative supports students in progressing efficiently toward graduation through advising, resources, and targeted support.

30 to Finish

30 to Finish encourages students to complete 30 units each year, helping them graduate on time and reduce the overall cost of their degree.

President and Provost Award for Credential and Graduate Students

These awards recognize and support graduate and credential students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to their fields.

Library Archives Collection

The Library Archives Collection preserves and shares the history of Cal State Monterey Bay and the surrounding region.

Students and researchers engage with primary sources that deepen understanding, support scholarship, and connect past and present.

The Impact of Success

A woman is smiling for a photo

Achieving Her Dream

A scholarship from CSUMB enabled Maria Elena Garcia ’21 to move from working in agricultural fields to achieving her dream and earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing, graduating magna cum laude.

A student smiling for a portrait in front of the race track while holding a clip board.

Expanding Horizons of Opportunity

We’ve been able to expand the CSUMB Scholars Program for students who will benefit from internships and mentorship at regional businesses that equip them to excel in their futures.

Your Impact Starts Here

Ways to Give

Explore meaningful ways to support Cal State Monterey Bay students and programs. From scholarships to community initiatives, discover how your giving can create lasting impact.

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Student Experience

Discover how giving at Cal State Monterey Bay transforms student lives. See the impact of philanthropy through stories, outcomes and opportunities that strengthen our campus and community.

OSU lounge

Areas to Support

Invest in student success and community impact at Cal State Monterey Bay. Discover giving areas that advance opportunity, innovation and regional stewardship.

Admitted otter day 2025, new students and parents with Monte celebrating

Senior Class Gift

Leave your mark at Cal State Monterey Bay. Support the Senior Class Gift and join your classmates in creating opportunities for future Otters.

Monte wearing graduation cap and gown, holding a diploma

Related News and Alumni Stories

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Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Our offices are located in the CSUMB Alumni and Visitors Center. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Foundation Annual Report Magazine

Discover the latest news in the 2025 issue of the Foundation Annual Report Magazine.

University Advancement

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