Our PolyX Advantage

What does Cal Poly Pomona’s learn-by-doing philosophy mean to you? Cal Poly Pomona is introducing PolyX (Signature Polytechnic Experience) to formalize our academic philosophy and provide all students with opportunities to develop creative and innovative solutions to positively impact the world.

“PolyX is an expression of our inclusive polytechnic identity. One of Cal Poly Pomona’s unique value proposition is that students have multiple opportunities to obtain these signature experiences both inside and outside the classroom. PolyX is our distinctive advantage,” said Olukemi Sawyerr, associate vice president of Academic Innovation.

While the concept of PolyX isn’t new, the university is supporting students by providing opportunities for mentoring, community engagement, collaborative learning, and sharing diverse, multi-disciplinary perspectives. The Learn Through Discovery (LTD) Initiative aims to ensure that every student receives a PolyX by the time they graduate.

Examples of PolyX include the LTD Projects Hatchery, which supports students in exploring ideas and developing projects that have real impact on communities. In 2020, the Food Justice team, advised by Professor Teresa Lloro, examined how the Pomona Valley Certified Farmer’s Market contributes to the development of socioecological community and addresses food access and insecurity in Pomona. Students spent their Saturday mornings at the market, volunteering behind the scenes and interviewing community members.

Professor James Blair’s anthropology class helped establish a non-profit, solar panel assembly factory in Pomona called CHERP that will provide discounted electricity to low-income households. This spring, students worked remotely in event planning, market research, and economic modeling, contributing to the successful grand opening event of CHERP with 600 virtual attendees and $20,000 raised.

Learn more about the PolyX initiative.