Self Service and Colleague (Cabrillo’s student information systems) will be unavailable during spring break, 3/28/25-4/4/25
Cabrillo Information Systems Scheduled Maintenance
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Camino al Exito

First Year Experience

Become an expert student from the jump

Connect with Academic Counseling to build your schedule for Fall 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
Connect with your Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)
Select your cohort based on your major:
  1. Aptos | Creative Arts and Design: Art History, Art Photography, Art Studio, Dance, Graphic Design, Music, Music Technology and Recording Arts, Theatre Arts

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

  3. Aptos and Watsonville | 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

  4. Watsonville | Health and Public Service: Criminal Justice, Dental Hygiene, Fire Technology/Emergency Medical Technician, Health Science, Kinesiology, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Radiologic Technology

  5. Watsonville | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Science: Information Technology, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Environmental Science, Geology, Horticulture: Agricultural Plant Sciences, Mathematics, Physics

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