About ARCHES
Our mission: “ARCHES is committed to enriching our student experiences by providing academic and personal support to help facilitate graduation.”
ARCHES (Achievement, Retention and Commitment to Higher Education Success), a program under Disability Resource Center (DRC), was established in 1997 to provide academic support services for Cal Poly Pomona’s students with disabilities. ARCHES currently serves 150 students each year and accepts applications from new participants throughout the academic year. Students in the program receive in-depth, comprehensive support services from time of acceptance through graduation.
ARCHES TRiO Support services project is funded by a grant from a U.S. Department of Education TRiO Program. TRiO programs were established in 1960 to promote educational equity for students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education: students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or disabled.
ARCHES Application Process
To participate with ARCHES, students must meet eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible students must be:
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Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate at Cal Poly Pomona*;
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Registered with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) office with a documented permanent disability (i.e. Learning, Psychological, Physical, etc.);
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A U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident (students with F-1 Visas are not eligible);
- One-third of applicants must be low-income;
*must be a fulltime student (enrolled in at least 12 units)
The application process begins in late summer and extends until all spaces are filled. To find out more about the ARCHES program, download our brochure or check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.
There are two parts to the ARCHES application, both must be submitted to be considered complete.
- Part 1: ARCHES Application
- Part 2: Financial Information Form*
*If you require an accessibility version, click here: Accessible Financial Information Form.
Once ARCHES confirms your eligibilty, we schedule an intake interview to determine your desire to commit to the program. Interviews can be conducted virtually (via zoom) or in person.