Excelencia in Education has released a compilation to spotlight programs that are leading efforts to improve higher educational achievement for Latinx students with the support of five CSUs: Channel Islands, Fresno, Fullerton, Long Beach and Northridge.
The universities join 24 colleges and universities nationwide supporting
Excelencia's publication, "Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action," which aims to inspire educators, community leaders, funders and policymakers to replicate and scale data-informed practices that benefit Latinx college students.
Programs from the compilation are also featured in Excelencia's online, searchable “Growing What Works"
database.
The publication focuses on cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to support Latinx and post-traditional students in five key areas:
- Engagement to Prepare Students and Families for College
- First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success
- Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections
- Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways
- Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success
Among the programs highlighted in the compilation is Cal State East Bay's
Gaining Access 'N Academic Success (GANAS), an access and retention program that aims to smooth the transition process for Latinx community college transfer students and improve persistence toward a bachelor's degree. Once students successfully transfer to CSUEB, they participate in a yearlong, cohort-based learning community that is paired with a success seminar, academic counseling and peer mentoring.
Cal State Fullerton has three programs recognized in the publication: the Ánimo: Latinx Counseling Emphasis, the Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (Project MISS) and the Center for Educational Partnerships.
CSUF's Ánimo Latinx Counseling Emphasis was also recognized by
Excelencia with a 2023 “Examples of Excelencia" award alongside several other CSU programs, including Chico State's Graduate Equity Fellowship Program and CSUN's Bridge to the Future (B2F) Scholars Program.
CSU Channel Islands's CIMAS (CSUCI Initiative for Mapping Academic Success) was designated as a "Program to Watch" by Excelencia along with CSUF's Transfer, Adult Re-entry, Parenting and Pregnant Student (TAPP) Center and Cal State LA's Engaged English Course.
CSU presidents are also part of
Excelencia's national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS), a diverse group of college and university presidents and chancellors who have committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latinx students thrive.
Additionally, eight CSUs have received the organization's “Seal of
Excelencia,"a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino students. Only 39 colleges and universities in the country hold this designation.
Almost half of the CSU's student body is comprised of Latinx students, and 21 of its universities are Hispanic-Serving Institutions. See other ways the CSU supports Latinx students.