Latino Students at CSULB
Sometimes Latino Success needs a Helping Hand
By Paola Plascencia
Latino student success sometimes needs a helping hand. At CSULB, there are support programs available to help the students make it to graduation.
The Men’s Success Initiative (MSI) at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a program for Latino and African-American male students. It provides support and resources to these students in order to enhance their academic, personal, and professional success. Student Life and Development office supervises the program.
For Psychology senior Francisco Granados, being an active member of MSI since his sophomore year has a special meaning. “It helped me grow not just as a student but also as an individual.”
“MSI is a program specifically designed to improve the college success of Latino and African American male students,” says Brett Waterfield, Director of Student Life and Development at CSULB.
The Mechanics of Success
MSI is built around several workshops offered every week. The workshops range from public speaking to time management skills to how to deal with stress. It also offers the students opportunities to participate in social activities.
Anthony Dunbar, MSI coordinator, believes the program helps students stay motivated by showing them there is a space and a place for them on campus. “The engagement with the students and knowing that you are helping them achieve their goals – it’s been a rewarding experience.”
Additional CSULB Resources
- Latinas @ the Beach: The mission of the Latina Connection Conference (LCC) is to empower California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Latina students in their educational endeavors through connection and mentorship with other Latina students, staff and faculty at CSULB.
Rosa Moreno-Alcaraz, Ph.D.
Counseling and Psychological Services
(562) 985-4001
latinaconnectionconference@csulb.edu
- EOP: The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at California State University, Long Beach is committed to providing access to historically low-income, and first generation college students.
Andy Espinoza Director (562) 985-5637
- Dream Success Center: The mission is to empower scholars who are undocumented in their pursuit of higher education and foster a supportive campus community dedicated to their educational and personal success. The Center will provide support to all AB540 students.
Rafael Topete, Director (562) 985-2006 dream@csulb.edu
- Upward Bound: Provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately in higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelors degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education.
(562) 985-5520
- The Raza Resource Center: Goal is to enhance the diversity of California State University, Long Beach by providing resources that educate students about the many historical and cultural backgrounds that make up the Chicana/o & Latina/o population. This also includes the promotion and education of social movements, community organizing, and political issues that have and continue to affect Chicanas/os and Latinas/os.
Contact Student Life and Development (562) 985-4181
- HSI-Stem: The Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program at CSULB helps first generation educated Latino students successfully pursue degrees and careers in STEM fields.
(562) 985-5312 hsi-stem@csulb.edu
You can find out more about these programs at California State University, Long Beach.
