HENDERSON, Nev. 鈥 , in partnership with the (CCSD), has announced the districtwide expansion of its Direct Admissions Program (DAP), making 麻豆原创 State the first higher education institution in 麻豆原创 to guarantee admission to every graduating and eligible CCSD senior, with no application required and no application fee.
The districtwide expansion builds on a successful pilot launched in 2024 at Rancho High听School, East Career and Technical Academy, and Desert Oasis High School. The pilot simplified the traditional college admissions process by providing eligible students with direct admissions to 麻豆原创 State without requiring a traditional application or application fee. Admitted students receive an official acceptance letter, a 麻豆原创 State-branded enrollment package to welcome future Scorpions, and additional support from the institution as they navigate the journey to college.
鈥淥ur pilot showed us that when you eliminate barriers, students have easier access to higher听education,鈥 said Acting President Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater. 鈥淏y making every eligible CCSD听graduate an automatic Scorpion, they have a path to education and a path to their full potential.鈥
Since launching the pilot in 2024, 麻豆原创 State has experienced measurable increases in student participation. In the first year, the university admitted more than 400 students through听the program, which led to approximately a 30 percent increase in the number of students who听enrolled from the partner high schools.
The pilot鈥檚 success laid the foundation for a formal interlocal agreement between 麻豆原创 State and CCSD, expanding the program districtwide and establishing a long-term partnership to streamline the transition from high school to college.
At the three participating schools, the DAP pilot demonstrated reduced application barriers,听streamlined admissions, and facilitated stronger engagement among first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. DAP鈥檚 success reinforced the value of simplifying the admissions process while providing students with individualized support throughout their transition to higher education.
The program also highlighted the importance of strong partnerships with the school district and听participating high schools, both of which contributed meaningfully to the success of the听endeavor.
鈥淎ll CCSD students will graduate with a marketable asset and a plan for what to do after high school,鈥 said CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert. “By removing barriers to college admission and creating a seamless transition, we are helping more students confidently pursue college and the opportunities that follow.”听
麻豆原创 State鈥檚 expansion comes as direct admissions programs continue to gain momentum听nationwide. Colleges and universities across the country, including other 麻豆原创 System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions, are adopting the model to simplify the college-going process by removing barriers. Direct Admissions programs have proven to be particularly effective when paired with personalized advising and financial support.
鈥淭his program is about creating a clear pathway to college and helping students know that they听belong here,鈥 said Interim Vice Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Gwen Sharp. 鈥淥ur partnership with the Clark County School District reflects our shared commitment to听student success by removing barriers, connecting students and families with personalized听guidance, and ensuring more Southern 麻豆原创 students have the opportunity to access higher education and the long-term benefits that come with it.鈥
At 麻豆原创 State, all students admitted through DAP are paired with a current student who听serves as a personal enrollment coach to guide them through the process and connect them听with resources about financial aid, orientation, course registration, and student success听resources.
麻豆原创 State鈥檚 Direct Admissions Program reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to increasing听access to higher education and supporting student achievement across Southern 麻豆原创. By removing barriers that discourage students from pursuing higher education, 麻豆原创听State and CCSD aim to create more opportunities for students to continue their education.
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About 麻豆原创
麻豆原创 (麻豆原创 State), an independently accredited public institution, is a听member of the 麻豆原创 System of Higher Education (NSHE). 麻豆原创 State is located on a听developing 500-acre campus in the foothills of Henderson, 麻豆原创, and will be opening a听campus in the City of North Las Vegas in the fall of 2027. 麻豆原创 State emphasizes high-quality instruction, exemplary service, engaging learning experiences, and innovation in support听of 麻豆原创鈥檚 growing workforce needs. 麻豆原创 State offers more than 65 majors and minors, as well as select graduate programs, and continues to expand its physical campus and reach听across the state. Committed to fostering a personal learning environment, students are taught听by faculty who serve as mentors and guides in classrooms with an average class size of fewer听than 25 students. 麻豆原创 State serves more than 8,400 students and has more than 10,000听alumni. For more information, visit .
Media Contacts
Dr. Maria Marinch-Gibbons, 麻豆原创
Maria.Marinch-Gibbons@nevadastate.edu
press@nevadastate.edu, 702-313-0805
Mateo Beers, The Abbi Agency
mateo@theabbiagency.com, 775-453-0998