Polytechnic Approach

In 1925 industrialist and food manufacturer Will Keith Kellogg, known for pioneering the process of making baked Kellog cereal, purchased 377 acres (1.53 km2) of land in Pomona for $250,000 and turned it into a world-renowned horse ranch to start an Arabian horse breeding program, which today remains the oldest in the United States and the fifth largest in the country. Kellogg's ranch eventually became so well-known around the area that even some Hollywood stars took time to frequent it. You can experience the beautiful cal poly campus with AIA Educational tour, as we will spend some nights here at the campus dorm.

On May 17, 1932 a crowd of more than 20,000 spectators converged on the ranch to witness Kellogg’s donation of his Arabian Horse Ranch, which had grown to 750 acres (3.0 km2), which even included 87 horses, to the California State University system. In return for the generous grant, the University agreed to keep the Arabian horses and to continue the Sunday Horse shows.

As one of only six polytechnic universities nationwide, Cal Poly Pomona's hallmark is its learn-by-doing philosophy, directly stemming from its polytechnic mission. By blending theory and practice in all its disciplines, the university recognizes that the students solving classroom problems today will be the employees solving the real-world problems tomorrow. Students are afforded opportunities to apply their knowledge in hands-on projects, collaborate with faculty members on research, and participate in valuable internships and service-learning programs. Cal poly is one of the leading Bio-tech universities around the US.

The university's athletic teams boast 13 national championships, including the nationally recognized women's basketball program, which won two straight NCAA Division II championships in 2001 and 2002. Engineering students recently took the top prize for their formula racecar at an international competition. In addition, for six consecutive years, the university's student delegation has earned major honors at the National Model United Nations conference.

Cal Poly Pomona covers 1,438 acres of rolling green hills and is the second largest in area in The California State University system. Its location is ideal for so many things, including studying, social and cultural activities, and recreation. Located less than 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, in the heart of sunny Southern California, Cal Poly Pomona offers the peace and serenity of a small community as well as the glamour and excitement of a cultural hub. Originally the winter ranch home of cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg, the campus retains his working Arabian horse ranch alongside rose gardens and avocado groves.

More than 100,000 alumni have graduated from Cal Poly Pomona over the course of its history. Some notable alumni include Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker; Olympic medalists Chi Cheng and Kim Rhode; California State Senator Jim Brulte,U.S. Representative Richard Pombo and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis; professional NFL football player Jim Zorn and footballer Jonathan Bornstein.