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Annual Report 24-25

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Profile: C-Real

The Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership (C-REAL) is dedicated to advancing equity, expanding educational access, and fostering student success through collaborative, research-driven partnerships. By working alongside colleges, universities, and community organizations, C-REAL transforms data into meaningful action that strengthens institutions and creates supportive environments where all students can thrive.

This page provides an overview of key activities, programs, and outcomes from the 2024–25 academic year.

students at computers at C-REAL

Visit C-REAL

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Top Outcomes for 2024-2025 

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  • Longitudinal Equity Research
  • Advanced the Black Student Success Project, one of the few sustained longitudinal studies examining Black student experiences within a Hispanic-Serving Institution, generating data that informs campus climate assessment and institutional strategy.
  • Evaluation for Student Success
  • Served as the evaluation partner for major initiatives including GEAR UP, supporting low-income and first-generation students in college readiness, and APEX at CSUF, strengthening recruitment, retention, and leadership development for AANHPI students. 
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  • Capacity Building at CSUF
  • Provided strategic consultation to the CSUF Academic Support Division and delivered equity-minded professional development for academic advisors, tutors, and supplemental instruction leaders.
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  • Knowledge shared Nationally
  • Expanded scholarly and professional contributions through national conference presentations and research that informs higher education leaders and practitioners.
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“At C-REAL, we are committed to producing research that not only advances knowledge but also strengthens institutional practice. Whether evaluating college readiness programs, guiding campus strategy, or elevating student experiences through longitudinal research, our goal is clear — to help build educational environments where opportunity is expanded and student success is sustained.”

Inez N. Moore, PhD

Director, Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership

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Key Highlights

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Black Student Success Project

The Black Student Success Project remains a cornerstone of C-REAL’s work and is one of the few sustained longitudinal studies examining Black student experiences within a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The project investigates how belonging, racial identity, motivation, and institutional climate shape academic persistence and achievement, generating evidence that informs campus climate assessment and institutional strategy.

 

Evaluation Partnerships

C-REAL served as the evaluation partner for major initiatives including GEAR UP (Anaheim Union High School District), supporting low-income and first-generation students in college readiness, and APEX at CSUF, strengthening recruitment, retention, and leadership development for AANHPI students. In parallel, C-REAL’s evaluation of programs such as COMPASS/STEMCELL and NAARE strengthens student research engagement, mentorship, and success in STEM fields — ensuring that institutions have actionable evidence to continuously improve support structures.

Campus Consultation & Professional Learning

C-REAL provided strategic consultation to the CSUF Academic Support Division, helping leadership align services and refine student success initiatives. C-REAL also designed and facilitated professional development for academic advisors, tutors, and supplemental instruction leaders to enhance equity-minded practice.

Scholarship & Dissemination

C-REAL expanded scholarly and professional contributions through national conference presentations and research that informs higher education leaders and practitioners

People Reached

C-REAL supported a broad network that includes K–12 students preparing for college through GEAR UP, undergraduate and graduate students participating in federally and institutionally funded success programs, university leadership teams, and educators engaged in professional learning. By strengthening the capacity of those who serve students, C-REAL’s work creates lasting impact across campuses and communities.

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