Continuing Education and University Outreach

The mission of Continuing Education and University Outreach is to increase access to the intellectual resources and programs of Cal Poly for the larger regional, state, and national community. We do this on a daily basis through lifelong learning opportunities including the Adult Degree Program, Open University, Special Session Degree Programs, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, distance learning courses, professional development certificates, and personal development programs. 

Each year, Continuing Education and University Outreach serves between 3,500 and 4,000 individuals, ranging in age from teenagers to our most senior citizens. Continuing Education and University Outreach not only proclaims but practices the slogan “Learning Never Ends.”

Our students are people like you; working adults who return to learning for professional development or personal enrichment. Many are seeking a Cal Poly degree through our Adult Degree Program for career advancement while others are enrolled in certificate programs for a mid-career change.

Our Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers retired individuals the opportunity to return to an educational environment just to experience the joy of learning. For others, courses devoted to special topics like art, languages, or music help fulfill a lifelong dream.

As a financially self-supporting unit within the Academic Affairs Division at Cal Poly, Continuing Education and University Outreach receives no state or university funding. Our only sources of revenue to support the valuable programs we offer are instructional fees, donations and gifts, and grants. Please consider making a gift to help Cal Poly fulfill its mission of service to our region, state, and nation.

How can your support help?

• Scholarships for adult students who qualify for the Adult Degree Program, but are in need of financial assistance
• Endowment gifts to support continued lifelong learning opportunities
• Endowment and annual fund gifts to support the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
• Endowment and annual fund gifts to support new initiatives such as new programs in Disaster Management, Homeland Security, and Fire Protection Technology
• Have your business, corporation, or organization join the Community and Corporate Partners Program
• Endowment gifts to help Continuing Education and University Outreach become the College of Lifelong Learning and University Outreach
• Contribute to building a permanent professional development center on the Cal Poly campus