California State University, Fullerton has maintained its commitment to supporting programs that excel in Latino student success since becoming one of 10 schools nationwide to earn the Seal of Excelencia in 2021 .
Excelencia in Education, a national nonprofit organization that promotes improved outcomes for Latinx students in higher education, published the 2024 publication “What Will Help You Intentionally Serve Latinx Students?” Three CSUF programs were recognized in Advancing: An Opportunity for Action.
This publication highlights programs across the country that are at the forefront of improving higher education outcomes for Latino students. CSUF is one of his five California state universities named in this publication for innovations in bilingual programming, Latinx/Latinx gender-based programming, and college readiness programming. is.
A press release from Excelencia in Education states that the publication “inspires and supports educators, community leaders, funders, and policy makers to replicate and scale evidence-based practices.” “We will draw national attention to the remarkable efforts that advance the success of Latino students in higher education.”
There are three recognized CSUF programs:
Animo: Emphasis on Latino Counseling
Launched in 2018, Animo: Latinx Counseling Emphasis provides high-quality bilingual and bicultural clinical training to counseling graduate students, preparing them to work with Latinx and Spanish-speaking clients.
The program is integrated into the Master's Counseling program, and the course curriculum, offered in English and Spanish, provides a wealth of information to those seeking to become mental health professionals on issues relevant to the Latino community, such as intergenerational family conflict. We teach you how to effectively approach a variety of clinical problems, including: Ethnic identity, immigration, and intersectionality.
Animo's course curriculum also provides students with the training necessary to qualify as a professional clinical counselor or marriage and family therapist in California.
In 2023, Excelencia in Education recognized Ánimo: Emphasis on Latinx Counseling as one of 19 Excelencia finalists in the country.
Mathematics intensive summer session
CSUF's Mathematics Intensive Summer Session, also known as Project MISS, was established in 1990 to address the national shortage of female students, primarily Latinas, pursuing STEM fields. Project MISS is a summer she program that provides middle school and high school students the opportunity to participate in math courses and develop skills in preparation for high school and college.
Working with math instructors and collaborating with their peers, students improve their Algebra II and Calculus skills by building community and participating in fun and engaging problem-solving activities.
This program aims to create opportunities for women in STEM fields and increase the number of women in the STEM workforce. More than 2,000 students have completed the program since 1990.
In 2021, Excelencia in Education named Project MISS as one of 21 Excelencia finalists in the country.
Educational Partnership Center
The Center for Educational Partnerships was recognized for its hands-on efforts to provide and prepare students for a wide range of college and career paths. By collaborating with educational institutions and community-based organizations, the Center fosters policies and practices aimed at promoting student progress and achievement in higher education. Its services include academic enrichment, instruction, family engagement, educational support services, and post-secondary learning and planning.
Each year, the center serves approximately 5,000 students, including grades 6-12 and CSUF undergraduate students.
One of its programs, GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), introduces middle and high school students from underserved communities to higher education. Additionally, the Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search programs aim to expand the educational pipeline for students from first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented backgrounds.
For CSUF students, the center offers the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The program prepares you for success in your doctoral program by providing research experiences, graduate school tours, academic advising, and professional development opportunities.
For more information about these programs, please visit the Excelencia in Education website.
