Mission Statement

The Mentoring Network Program for Black Student Success (MNPBSS) seeks to improve the rate at which Black youth graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education. Through the use of a peer mentor network, Black students at local high schools build self-esteem, acquire greater commitment to academic success and expand their career aspirations by interacting with Black California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) students who serve as their mentors. Community leaders provide additional enrichment by sharing their expertise and experience in their professions with both mentees and mentors. These resources serve as a "safety net" for Black youth, who are often alienated from others and lack adequate support networks to encourage high aspirations.

 

Objectives

	Increase the number of African-American students enrolling in CSUF, particularly students interested in business, science and mathematics.
	Assist high school students to explore college and other forms of post-secondary education as realistic and attainable options.
	Create an effective and vital support network for participating high school and college students as they progress towards degree completion.
	Develop leadership and networking skills in the CSUF student mentors.
	Nurture a sense of community service and commitment among the students through their working with and assisting of each other.
	Introduce opportunities for understanding the prerequisites for educational and professional fields through community leader speakers, mentoring, on-site professional visits, and counseling.
	Provide support for parents of MNPBSS participants to encourage their involvement in the educational planning, career exploration and personal development of their children.
	Work with school personnel in the MNPBSS participating high schools to enhance communication, and share information we acquire about students. This may assist school personnel in better serving the MNPBSS program participants.