Source: EdSource Last year, Cal State campuses received some sobering details about the growing gaps in graduation rates between students of color and their white counterparts. Instead of decreasing, the graduation equity gaps between Black, Latino and Native or Indigenous students have been increasing. But some campuses are targeting new dollars and deploying new strategies to specifically target students of color that will help increase graduation, persistence and retention. CSU’s Young Males of Color Consortium, which is housed at Cal State Dominguez Hills, received $3.2 million from a group of organizations including Ballmer Group, College Futures Foundation, ECMC ... Read More
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Toro Softball Off and Running
The CSUDH softball team has their sights set on a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, and have come roaring out of the gate this season. After a four-game sweep of Stanislaus State at Toro Diamond over the weekend, the Toros can boast a 11-3 record and stand in first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference standings. How does the team maintain consistency year-to-year, despite losing key players to graduation? “It always starts with continuing to develop good people,” says head coach Jim Maier. “We focus on moving them forward academically, and then we focus on trying to win games.” This season saw the Toros lose several outstanding players, ... Read More
Men’s Basketball Squad Clinches Share of CCAA Title
With an impressive 80-67 road win against Cal Poly Humboldt, the CSUDH Toros men’s basketball team clinched at least a share of the 2023-24 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) regular season title. It is the fourth time in school history that the team has taken home the CCAA crown. With an overall record of 22-5, and a conference record of 17-4, the Toros have proven themselves to be one of the best Division II teams on the West Coast. They will have a chance to clinch sole possession of the CCAA title with a win on Thursday against Cal State LA. For the complete story, please visit ... Read More
Frequent Flyer: Toro Commutes From DC to Complete His Degree
CSUDH graduate student Esmond Epuna isn’t someone who lets obstacles or challenges stand in his way – whether it’s a school abruptly closing its doors or the daunting task of a cross-country commute. Currently pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity, Epuna hasn’t let anything distract him from his dreams. Epuna graduated from high school in 2013, then started taking courses at El Camino College. He soon transferred to the for-profit technical college ITT Technical Institute. Within a few years, his studies were almost complete – but then ITT went out of business with no warning in 2016. “Right before I finished, I lost all my credits,” recalls Epuna. “ITT had to close down. I ended up ... Read More
Toro Baseball Looks to Solidify Progress
Under head coach Tyler Wright, the CSUDH baseball program has risen in stature year by year and is now considered one of the mainstays at the top of the conference standings. For the 2024 season, Wright wants to make sure the team continues to build on its success. “Our goal is to continue to be a competitive force in this conference,” says Wright. “Every year, we want to compete for the conference tournament, conference championship, and beyond.” The 2023 Toro squad was in the mix for a postseason berth until the final day of the season, but a loss to Cal State San Bernardino ended their season. “2023 was an interesting year,” says Wright. “I thought we played hard and were ... Read More