Cal Poly Pomona, a diverse and highly regarded polytechnic institution in California, faced a persistent challenge: supporting a student body where over half are first-generation college students and nearly half receive Pell Grants. Many students struggled with high DWF (Drop, Withdrawal, and Fail) rates in foundational courses, particularly in STEM fields. The university needed a solution to help students develop critical academic skills while closing equity gaps, aligning with its “learn by doing” philosophy and its commitment to first-generation and underrepresented students.

Partnering with Innovative Educators, Cal Poly Pomona integrated StudentLingo videos and modules into their comprehensive academic support programs. These resources became a cornerstone of their First Year Experience (FYE) curriculum, academic coaching sessions, and mentorship initiatives. Faculty embedded StudentLingo videos into courses, using them as pre-class assignments to spark discussions on time management, test-taking, and overcoming procrastination. The approach extended to workshops, tutoring sessions, and even academic probation recovery plans. Students who utilized these tools demonstrated measurable improvements in their course outcomes, transforming potential academic pitfalls into opportunities for success. This partnership highlights how institutions can leverage engaging, practical resources to create a culture of resilience, equipping students with the skills to thrive academically and beyond.