A message and an invitation to students on the North Coast: We want you to stay local! And we want you to attend Humboldt State University or the College of the Redwoods.

Both institutions are thriving and forward-looking. Both are collaborating on behalf of our students and are focused on serving this region. Both offer fantastic programs and campus experiences. Both are competitive in intercollegiate sports. And both can lower your cost of education and degree because you have chosen to stay locally.

If you are a student, or a family member of a student, and you are seeking a strong campus with faculty focused on mentoring and supporting students — it is right here, in your home community, at CR and HSU.

HSU is well-known for our emphasis on environmental sustainability as well as our outstanding programs in majors including art, music, business, sciences, and many others. We seek students who want to improve our world and to help create a better society. Like CR, we believe in people and the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Both HSU and CR are aligned to provide students with opportunities for success. Because of our ambitious plans for new programs and expansion, a student entering or transferring to HSU today would very likely graduate from the polytechnic we are planning to become. New academic programs in engineering, software, and other science areas are being planned and will soon be available. This is the time to stay near and attend CR or HSU.

Staying local means students and parents can remain closer to each other — which I know is important during this time of uncertainty. At Humboldt State, new local freshmen are now guaranteed a Humboldt First Scholarship. For those wanting to live on campus, there’s an additional housing scholarship. The Humboldt First Scholarship is available to every new freshman from the four-county region of the North Coast, and is worth $4,000 over four years. The housing scholarship, if a student decides to live on campus, is worth $1,000 each year in the residence halls.

HSU, CR, and this community believes in education. We all hope to see you at CR or HSU. The North Coast has a bright future filled with opportunity. It’s also a place where local students can stay close to home while pursuing a four-year degree at an amazing university.

Be well.

Dr. Tom Jackson Jr. is the president of Humboldt State University.