James Harris, a business accounting major and Africana studies minor at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), is more than happy to help high school student Raul Ruiz when he calls looking for a ride to school, a few bucks or for Harris to let his teachers know he can’t make it to school. Ruiz has come a long way since Harris began mentoring him at Bethune Middle School in Los Angeles, one of the schools he has been assigned as an academic mentor in CSUDH’s Male Success Alliance (MSA). “I met Raul when he was involved in a gang. He was very quiet when we first met. I found out he had failing grades in all his classes, that his parents neglected him, and that ... Read More
Male Success Alliance
Interim VP William Franklin to receive the CSU’s Wang Family Excellence Award
As a high school and college student, William Franklin, interim vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), learned firsthand how academic enrichment programs such as Upward Bound and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) can improve student success. He credits his participation in Upward Bound during the 10th grade for “salvaging his dreams.” Those experiences have had a significant impact on Franklin’s professional career. As interim vice president, he serves as CSUDH President Willie J. Hagan’s chief adviser on student affairs issues, while working with academic and administrative units in the development of ... Read More
Photos & Quotes: Reflections on 2014 Male Success Alliance Summit
The Male Success Alliance's (MSA) 5th annual spring summit at CSU Dominguez Hills aimed to motivate young African American and Latino male students to pursue academic and professional excellence through mentorship and brotherhood. The May 8 summit brought together elected officials, academics, successful professionals and hundreds of middle school and high school students from L.A. for a one-day event to harbor unity among the community. In line with President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, MSA believes that through brotherhood, integrity and perseverance, they can positively impact every life they encounter. From mesmerizing speakers and breakout sessions to college ... Read More
CSUDH Male Success Alliance Student Rises From Disillusionment to Success
Jonathan Henderson knows a thing or two about how a good support system can be critical to your success. The 23-year-old sociology student at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is set to graduate this spring, will begin his master’s in sociology program here on campus in the fall, was nominated for the Presidential Outstanding Student Award this year, has been an integral part of numerous groups on campus including Male Success Alliance (MSA), and volunteered countless hours to at-risk youth groups and the homeless community in the surrounding areas. But according to Henderson, all of his accomplishments and achievements almost didn’t happen. In fact, the ... Read More
Male Success Alliance’s 5th Annual Spring Summit: “Reclaiming Our Legacy”
The Male Success Alliance (MSA) will partner with faculty, staff and community organizations to host the fifth annual Spring Summit on Thursday May 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Loker Student Union ballroom. More than 700 high school and middle school students are expected to attend the summit, along with CSU Dominguez Hills students for the interactive conference that is designed to equip students with the necessary tools and resources to be successful. Established in 2010, MSA seeks to improve access, retention and graduation rates of young men of color through academic support, professional development and mentoring. In line with President Barack Obama's My Brother's Keeper ... Read More