Outreach and Special Programs
The African American Initiative is here to serve you!
"For I know the plans I have for you; declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
History: The African American Initiative began in March 2005 when the California State University (CSU) convened civic, business, and education leaders during a town hall in Los Angeles. Soon after, a similar meeting was held in Oakland. Through these meetings, a strategy to educate students and parents about early preparation for college was developed. As a result, the CSU and it's new church partners began to share institutional resources to increase awareness about higher education and the steps needed to prepare future students.
The Initiative: The CSU works with African American community partners to increase the college preparation, enrollment, and graduation rates of African American students from undeserved communities. In partnership with California churches serving predominantly African American congregations, the CSU delivers a variety of outreach events and programs throughout the year.
- Raise awareness of African American student supports offered at Fresno State through engagement and activities.
- Build and foster relationships with local school districts that serve predominantly African American students.
- Conduct workshops in the predominantly African American communities to educate them on the benefits of higher education and to become knowledgeable about degrees, financial aid, and student involvement.
- Partner with on/off campus stakeholders to conduct educational fairs for all K-12 students.
AAI Mission
The African American Initiative will devote its efforts on outreaching to African American students in bridging the gap between the youth and college life by building a community among students, faculty, staff, families, and community partners through academic support, networking, and mentoring. The African American Initiative strives to increase the outreach to students and families in the community, help prepare more college-ready students, increase the enrollment of African American students to campus and increase the graduation rates among African American students for undergraduate levels and beyond.
AAI Vision
To inform and instill hope to African American students and families of the educational opportunities and resources that are available to them.
AAI Year Round Events and Collaborations
Super Saturday Science Day
Event time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Event location: on campus at Fresno State
During Super Saturday Science Day students will be engaged with speakers and activities that involve biology, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, computer science and more! This event has a target auidence of 5th to 12th grade students. Faith-based youth groups are highly encouraged to bring youth to attend this event! Fresno State Faculty Scientists and Black Excellence in Science and Technology (BEST) Club Members will be present showing their expertise. This is a free event and lunch provided.
For more information contact Wendy Nelson via email at wendyw@csufresno.edu or call 559.278.5374
Super Saturday African American College and Career Summit
Time: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Satellite Student Union (SSU)
Super Saturday African American College and Career Summit is an annual event sponsored by Outreach and Special Programs and the Black Student Success Initiative at Fresno State. Super Saturday is an event aimed at supporting students with resources for college readiness and retention. This event is also to help parents better understand how they can support their students who go away to college. There are breakout sessions students can attend on subjects like STEM, art-based activities, A-G requirements, and financial aid workshops. There will also a vendor fair advertising services on campus and in the community.
Contact: D'Aungillique Jackson dajackson@csufresno.edu or 559.278.0143
Super Saturday Program
View the Super Saturday African American College and Career Summit program!CSU Inaugural Juneteenth Symposium
Super Sunday
Introduction
CSU Super Saturday began more than a decade ago as a collaboration between the CSU, its campuses and predominantly African American churches throughout California. The purpose is to increase the rate of African American students enrolling and graduating from the CSU. During, Super Sunday, CSU leaders attend Sunday services and from the pulpit speak to the congregation about the importance of a higher education. After the service, students and parents have an opportunity to meet CSU experts in admissions and financial aid.
Student Services Program Spotlight
Why are Student Services Program important?
Comprehensive and coordinated student support services are critically important for
the social, emotional and character development of students and the development of
learning climates that are conducive to student achievement of high academic standards.
Student support services foster positive relationships among educators and students,
thereby increasing students’ attachment to school, and serve as an essential link
between students and, their families and school resources and community-based health
and social services. Student Services programs foster the following:
- environmental adaptations
- accommodations
- natural supports
- mentoring
Fresno State Upward Bound Programs
Office of Black Student Success
CCGC: African American Programs and Services
African American Initiative Collaborators and Student Resources
Fresno State AAI Summer 2021 Meet and Greet Zoom Engagement