Community Scholars Program

Details of the CS Program

  • The Community Scholars (CS) program involves CSULB students group mentoring inner-city high school students in the spring semester only. CS has 1 required training at CSULB, up to 5 mentoring sessions at a students assigned high school, and 1 campus visit at CSULB. CS program is a great opportunity to give back, while simultaneously developing leadership, teamwork, and presentation skills.
  • COB juniors and seniors group-mentor inner-city high school students in the spring semester only. Using their own experiences to show students that college can be an affordable reality and is worth the effort. In participating, COB students develop leadership, teamwork, and persuasive skills.
  • Available to junior and senior level students.
  • Must complete an application and interview, if requested.

Application Period

  • Spring Applications will open in the fall semester prior

Important Requirements to Note

  • Events
    • Training (Held in person on the first Friday of the spring semester from 9:00am-2:00pm)
      • This event is for CSULB student mentors only. The CS Training covers what to expect and prepares students for the program commitment.
    • High School Mentoring Sessions (Held in person on select Fridays in the spring semester; timeframes are TBD by the high schools)
      • Up to five mentoring sessions includes a Meet and Greet and themed mentoring sessions to provide encouragement and knowledge that college is possible, and overall student success in the pursuit of a higher education.
    • CSULB Campus Visit (Held in person on the first Friday of May; all day, official timeframe TBD by the high schools)
      • This full day event is for both CSULB student mentors and high school student mentees. The Campus Visit provides the high school students to tour CSULB and live a day in the life of a college student. This experience provides motivation to succeed in high school and pursue a higher education.

CS Award: Cord

  • Junior and Senior Level Students (Spring Semester Only)
  • Includes Training, Mentoring Sessions at High Schools, CSULB Campus Visit (Time Commitment: 24 Hours)
College of Business Student Center for Professional Development Pathways to Success: Professional Development and Mentoring Handout

The Community Scholars program started in 1999, in a partnership between SCPD and Jordan High School, when faculty members at Jordan noticed the sophomores in their International Baccalaureate (IB) program leaving the academic accelerated program in large numbers after that year. Faculty realized that Jordan High School students did not have a real understanding of college and all that it entailed, nor were students clear on the benefits of a college education. The vast majority of IB students would be the first in their families to attend college; they lacked the understanding of what a college education could mean for them in terms of opportunities. In a meeting of local educators this topic came up in a discussion and the Community Scholars program was born.

Due to much success with Jordan High School, the Community Scholars program has expanded and evolved. Over the years, SCPD has welcomed partnerships between Poly High School, McBride High School, Lakewood High School, and Sato Academy.