Invest in their Success
The purpose of the Male Success Initiatives at Cal Poly Pomona is to improve college access, retention, and graduation rates for all Black, Southeast Asian, Alaska Native, Hawaii Native, Native American and Latino first-generation, Pell Grant eligible men by providing programs, resources, and services to support the holistic success of men of color. MSI further aims to close the equity and achievement gap which aligns with CPP strategic priorities and the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025.
MSI currently includes the following programs: Project SUCCESS, the Sophomore Experience, and Black Men of Excellence.
Project SUCCESS
- Culturally Relevant Mentoring – All scholars will be paired with a peer mentor and a professional faculty/staff mentor
- Build a Network of Support – Interact with students and professional men of color across campus
- Fall Semester FYE (First Year Experience) Course - Earn Course Credit and Fulfill General Education Area E, Lifelong Understanding and Self Development
- Spring Semester Roadmap – Scholars gain experience and learn about campus resources available to them by participating in our interactive Gatherings, each with a different topic tailored to fit the needs of Men of Color and prepare them for their sophomore year and beyond
- Access Free On-Campus Tutoring – One-on-one sessions with EOP Tutors
- Attend Culturally Relevant Workshops – Academic, Leadership, Professional, Identity and Personal Development for Men of Color
- And Much More!
The Sophomore Experience
Our Mission
Sophomore Experience seeks to develop a deeper sense of belonging for sophomore men of color through faculty mentorship and by navigating academic policies and practices. Students will develop an academic career plan and learn about various campus opportunities and careers.
Program Outcomes
- Increase student engagement with faculty
- Increase retention efforts via extended faculty participation
- Further explore academic identities and careers for sophomore men of color
Black Men of Excellence
Our Mission
The Black Men of Excellence program is focused on the retention, graduation, and sense of belonging of all Black identified men at Cal Poly Pomona. This program will grow and develop our Black men in Leadership, Undergraduate Research, Mentorship, and Career Readiness.
How We Got Here
The Black Men of Excellence program was developed by a Task Force of members from across campus, including:
- Dr. Michael Page, College of Science
- Bryant Fairley, Center for Community Engagement
- Dr. Jonathan Grady, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
- Ronald Whitenhill, Outreach & Educational Partnerships
- Dr. Christian Abson, Disability Resource Center
- Leon Strayer, Student Support & Equity Services
- Robin Wilson, Math Department
- Curtis Carpenter, Information Technology
- Tari Hunter, Office of Student Life and Cultural Centers
- La'Keisha Beard, Office of Student Life and Cultural Centers
- Teaja Smith, African American Student Center
- Janetta Dismuke, Office of New Student Programs & Family Engagement
- Terrion Chavers, Student and President of Black Student Union
- Justyn Fulton, Student and RISE participant
- Jordan Lee, Student and Greek Life, UHS leader
In Their Own Words
The Impact of Your Gift
MSI’s Giving Day Campaign is centered around giving our scholars additional content, material and/or experience that they may have otherwise missed out on. The key forms of this would be as an increased or secondary scholarship, book stipend, emergency assistance grants, or travel and registration for an off-campus conference. For example:
- A $50 donation would help give our scholars access to an additional workshop or help us provide our students with materials or equipment to encourage their personal and academic success.
- $100 will help give us the opportunity to offer our scholars additional scholarships, emergency assistance grants, or the possibility of attending local off-campus events.
- An amazing donation of $250 or more would help us be able to provide our scholars with the chance of attending more amazing off campus events such as conferences and retreats centered around their growth, both internal and external, as young students and professionals of color.
Thank You!
By contributing to MSI, you play a fundamental role in allowing for greater access to engaging opportunities such as conferences, partnerships and workshops that will foster a culture of excellence within young men of color at Cal Poly Pomona.
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CA | 8 |
| 2 | MO | 1 |
| 3 | AA | 0 |
