Bright Tomorrow: A Catalyst for the Next 100 Years
Cal Poly Pomona was founded on generosity.
A century ago, W.K. Kellogg purchased 377 acres in Pomona that would later become the home of the No. 1 polytechnic university for diversity and economic mobility.
Kellogg originally purchased the land to serve as his winter horse ranch. Two decades later, he deeded the land to the State of California for higher education. Guided by his belief that “education offers the greatest opportunity for really improving one generation over another,” Kellogg envisioned a place where students would learn through theory and practice.
Today, that spirit of growth and opportunity continues to define Cal Poly Pomona.
In 2021, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott made a historic $40 million unrestricted gift to Cal Poly Pomona — the largest donation from an individual in university history. In announcing her gift, Scott wrote that “higher education is a proven pathway to opportunity,” echoing W.K. Kellogg’s words from decades earlier.
Scott’s investment affirms the university’s vision: Cal Poly Pomona inspires creativity and innovation and transforms lives.
To advance the philanthropic vision and to steward the funds with responsibility, transparency and clarity, Cal Poly Pomona has established the Bright Tomorrow Fund, designed to propel institutional priorities and expand opportunity for students.
“As we celebrate 100 years of W.K. Kellogg’s original horse ranch and his enduring gift to higher education, this investment stands as a reflection of our legacy and a driver of our future,” said Interim President Iris S. Levine. “Bright Tomorrow is our long-term commitment to innovation, expanding access and strengthening economic mobility. Through this transformational philanthropy, our students will have greater opportunities to Become by Doing and achieve their dreams of success.”
The university president allocated $20 million from the Bright Tomorrow fund over a four-year period, from 2025 to 2029, to catalyze Cal Poly Pomona’s institutional philanthropic priorities: Future Paths, Emerging Technologies and Campus Modernization. These inter-related priorities align with the university’s Strategic Plan, Principles of Community and the university’s role as a steward of place.
Future Paths: Connecting Education to Opportunity
Bright Tomorrow is funding numerous programs and initiatives for students to connect their education to career and personal success. Future Paths funding will support micro-internships, leadership development training, and industry partnerships that will strengthen PolyX learning to prepare students for the future of work, human and civic engagement.
Emerging Technologies: Learn by Innovating
Emerging Technologies investments will expand learning, research and project-based opportunities in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, spatial excellence (GIS), immersive simulation and advanced analytics. The funds will support new and modernized labs, makerspaces and cutting-edge equipment to strengthen CPP’s polytechnic advantage, ensuring that students will thrive in a dynamic and evolving technological and global landscape.
Campus Modernization: Built for Becoming
Learning and student-centered spaces are being revitalized across campus, from science labs to ag facilities to art studios and athletics. The upgrades are essential to ensure that students, faculty and staff have access to modernized, high-quality spaces that support teaching and learning, research, studying and community engagement.
“At its core, Bright Tomorrow strengthens and scales what has always distinguished Cal Poly Pomona: Become by Doing,” said Frances Teves, vice president for university advancement. “These investments are not incremental enhancements. They are accelerators designed to strengthen the long-term vitality and competitiveness of Cal Poly Pomona.
“Bright Tomorrow bridges eras of generosity, from Kellogg’s vision in the 20th century to 21st-century investments in innovation, workforce preparation and modern learning environments.”