African American / Black Students

Fresno State faculty and staff are committed to your personal, educational, and professional growth. Here is a recap of some of the departments on campus that are dedicated to supporting African American/Black students:

• Fresno State Cross Cultural and Gender Center (African American/Black Students) – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) at Fresno State aims to create and maintain a campus of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity, where all members of the campus community thrive, free from oppression and discrimination.
• Fresno State African American Initiative – The African American Initiative partners with African American community groups and churches to boost college preparation, enrollment, and graduation rates for underserved African American students. Through outreach events, workshops, and educational fairs, the CSU raises awareness about Fresno State’s support services, financial aid, and the benefits of higher education.
• Fresno State Black Student Success Initiative – The Fresno State Black Student Success Initiative (BSSI) is a program that supports Black students by addressing their needs and concerns. It works with the California State University’s Graduation Initiative 2025 to help more students graduate, close equity gaps, and improve overall student success through a well-rounded approach.

For many BIPOC students, it may be difficult to speak out, celebrate, or discuss racial/ethnic topics with others. Here are some resources offering a safe space to talk and promoting strength through commemoration:

• Fresno State Harambee Room – The Harambee Room is a warm and inviting space celebrating African American culture.
• CCGC Programs and Spaces – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center hosts a variety of programs and safe spaces for affinity groups to discuss and talk about struggle, achievements, and more in a safe space, with their peers. These programs include mentorship programs, and discussion groups.
• Fresno State Peace Garden Statues – Fresno State has two landmarks pertaining to African American/Black culture and achievement. These statues include the Nelson Mandala Statue and the Martin Luther King JR. Statue.

For students, gaining relevant experience in your chosen field can be difficult. However, there are ways in which you can develop the skills necessary to become a knowledgeable, well-rounded, and competitive member of the workforce:

• Get involved on campus – Fresno State’s Student Involvement Center provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and develop specialized skills. Student clubs and campus programs are a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen career field, network with other students and professionals, and develop leadership skills necessary for career success!
• Volunteering, interning, and service learning – Even if it’s unpaid, volunteer and interning experience is a great way to build your resume and network. These experiences are opportunities to demonstrate your passion and work ethic and can help you develop the strong people skills needed in today’s job market. Fresno State’s Career Development Center can assist you with questions regarding internships; for more information on service learning, visit the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning – they even have opportunities for grant-funded service experiences via their Central Valley College Corps and Scholars in Service Program !
• Engage with these community organizations:
  • Fresno State NAACP – The NAACP Organization at Fresno state is a Civil Rights organization that ensures the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens; to achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States and to remove all barriers of racial discrimination.
  • Fresno State CCGC Volunteers – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center invites volunteers to help support diverse co-educational programs, services, and activities for the campus community. Volunteering offers a chance to build cultural competency, gain skills, and add experience to a resume.
• Join professional associations and get certificated – Professional associations are industry and career-specific organizations that are fantastic opportunities for networking and continued education. Many professional associations host conferences where members can meet to discuss new practices and research, as well as publish newsletters, provide job boards, and host trainings for various certifications. Completing certifications beyond your degree will help you stand out from the crowd. Use CareerOneStop’s Professional Association Finder, or do a web search for “[your career] professional association” to find organizations that are right for you! CareerOneStop also has a Certification Finder tool that can help you explore common certifications by industry!
  • Black Culture and Racial Justice, Certificate of Special Study – This certificate covers and educates students on Black community-based issues and social inequality.
    
    ***NOTE: Some professional associations require annual payments (or dues) to become a member. Many of these associations offer student memberships at a discounted rate, so take advantage of that while you can!

• Fresno State Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships – The Financial Aid Office can assist students with any and all questions regarding scholarship and aid eligibility. Contact the Fresno State Financial Aid department during office hours for assistance with your financial aid-related questions.
  ***NOTE: The Financial Aid Office has multiple peak times each semester where students are trying to reach them. Make sure to plan ahead and contact them as soon as possible for assistance with your specific case.
• Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.