Meet Matthew Bagdasar | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Bagdasar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for starting the nonprofit began when I navigated the California Community College transfer process myself. I transferred from San Diego City College to the University of Southern California in just two years. I would be lying if I said this process was easy. Navigating articulation agreements, understanding which courses transfer, and getting in front of a counselor were difficult. Community college students who want to transfer are expected to do so within two years and then earn their bachelor’s degree after at least two additional years of study at the university level. Yet, only 2.5% of all CCC students successfully transfer in two years. I wanted to help change this figure by providing free support and resources for CCC students interested in transferring to a UC or CSU.

The problem surrounds various external issues that are unique to each student, and it is abundantly clear that the community college system needs improvement. I became motivated to help other students who wouldn’t have the same opportunity as me to go through this process in a mere two years. Consequently, CTSN came into existence.

I reached out to many colleagues and friends who had transferred to pinpoint the exact challenges, obstacles, and challenges that transfer students face. Through this research, I realized that there were many more issues to tackle than I originally thought. One of the primary problems was a general lack of knowledge about the transfer process; students did not know how to plan for it nor how to manage their time and finances to maximize transfer opportunities. CTSN was founded to combat this lack of knowledge and help students transfer quickly and efficiently.

Today, CTSN has grown into a thriving nonprofit with an extensive network of community college counselors, faculty members, and staff who work directly with transfer-oriented institutions such as four-year colleges and universities. Through our research, we have identified many transfer pitfalls and developed a comprehensive set of resources that students can use to figure out their educational goals and navigate the transfer process.

I am incredibly proud of our work and grateful for the support from California’s community college leaders, faculty members, and staff. We are looking forward to expanding even further in the coming years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the things that sets me apart from other nonprofit founders is my personal experience with the community college system. I was able to navigate the transfer process myself and eventually transferred to a top university. I understand the challenges students face when trying to transition to a four-year institution. I am also proud of the fact that CTSN has been able to help dozens of students transfer efficiently and effectively. We have developed a comprehensive set of resources that students can use to figure out their educational goals and navigate the transfer process. We are constantly expanding our reach and helping more students every year.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is the value of networking. When I first started CTSN, I reached out to as many people as possible for advice and ideas on what we should be doing. This has been invaluable in helping us grow into the successful organization we are today. Additionally, I want students to know they can rely on CTSN for accurate and helpful information about the transfer process. I also learned that having a powerful and responsive website strategy is critical to our success. We are constantly trying new strategies to streamline the transfer process for all students and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

Finally, I have learned the importance of being flexible. When we first started out, I had a very specific idea of how things would operate. However, as we grew and began working with more students, we had to adapt our processes to meet the ever-changing needs of the community college system. I am proud of how much we have grown in such a short time period, and I am excited to see where we will go in the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were visiting me from out-of-state and wanted the rundown on San Diego, I would showcase several different attractions, places, and spots of interest.

First, I would undoubtedly showcase the beauty of Petco Park and take in a San Diego Padres game. We would eat at some of the amazing Gas Lamp establishments and navigate the busy and eclectic streets of Downtown San Diego at night.

Secondly, the USS Midway Museum is an excellent attraction for those who want to understand what makes San Diego unique. As a military town, there is no better way to get acquainted with what the city has to offer than by visiting the USS Midway and seeing the US Navy’s naval base.

Third, I would recommend taking in some amazing sights at Balboa Park. From incredible art museums to lush gardens and beautiful architecture, there is something for everyone at Balboa Park. It is a great way to experience the rich culture that San Diego has to offer.

And lastly, I would take my friend down to La Jolla to see the awe-inspiring beauty of the coastline. From sunbathing on the pristine beaches to snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal clear water, there is no better place to experience San Diego’s natural splendor than La Jolla.

San Diego truly has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a vibrant city experience or an escape into Southern California’s natural beauty.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many people in my life have contributed to my success and helped me become the person I am today. Firstly, I want to thank my parents, Kristina and Steve, for their love, support, and patience. I also want to thank my fellow Board Members (Jimmy Bisharat and Austin Garmo) for their selfless dedication to ensuring the organization is run efficiently and accurately. Nonprofits have several reporting requirements that I would surely miss if it were not for the support and awareness of Jimmy and Austin.

Website: https://transferca.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transfercaorg/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transfercalifornia/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Transfercaorg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TransferCaliforniaorg

Image Credits
Jimmy Bisharat (Left), Matthew Bagdasar (Middle), Austin Garmo (Right)