happy graduates walking at commencement ceremony
Camino al Exito

First Year Experience

Become an expert student from the jump

Enrollement for FYE 2024 is closed, connect with Academic Counseling to build your schedule for spring 2025.

New students can join Cabrillo's First Year Experience in Fall 2025 for an easy transition into college.

Just a few of the perks of FYE:

  • Built-in connection to your major and Career and Academic Pathway

  • Guaranteed Fulltime Enrollment includes General Education requirements in English, math, and ethnic studies to complete your goal of an Associate Degree or transfer to a UC, CSU, or private university

  • Registration is done for you. You are registered in the FYE Cohort that matches your major. View the class schedules for each cohort

  • Open to all, priority given to students from local high schools with the goal of earning a degree or transferring to university

  • Dedicated Academic and Career Counseling and referrals to support services

  • Achieve academic success with built -in extra support for all math courses

  • Connect with like-minded students in your field

  • Enjoy an inclusive, safe learning environment

  • Access to workshops to learn what's needed to be successful student

  • Book grants for eligible students

  • Make friends at fun events

two smiling male students sitting in class
large group of student sitting in an outdoor amphitheater
four students dressed in graduation regalia
New Pathways coming for 2025, watch this space!
Connect with your Career and Academic Pathway (CAP). Select your cohort based on your major:
  1. Watsonville | STEM: Agricultural Plant Sciences, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Horticulture, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Sustainability & Environmental Studies

  2. Aptos | Entrepreneurship and Business: Accounting, Business, Computer Applications, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Construction Energy Management, Economics, Horticulture, Music Technology and Recording Arts, Wine Studies

  3. Aptos | Global and Human Studies: Anthropology, Art History, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Economics, Elementary Teacher Education, English, Geography, History, Human Services, Journalism, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Women's Studies

Explore the goals and outcomes of each CAP

student with long curling hair taking notes in class
archeology dig
student with a welding torch working in class
students in class taking notes
horticulture class in greenhouse
Be part of community with dedicated faculty, staff and peer mentors
Explore your place in the world
Classes taught with you in mind
mosaic mural of a tree highlighting STEM fields of study
FYE faculty have training in Educational Justice
FYE is a place for everyone to learn in safety and with respect
Fun events outside the classroom
folkloric  dancers
Workshops, field trips to universities and cultural centers, games, theater and club events
Make the most of college
Preparation, Guidance, Opportunity, Achievement
Create Success in Your First Year, Experience the Ease and Support of FYE
Meet the FYE Team; get your questions answered
View the Archive recording of FYE 2024 Live!