CSULB’s

Program aids first-generation students in achieving academic success

By Sam Farfán

In his youth, Jose Raya-Pérez witnessed the economic difficulties that his family members faced and realized that he wanted to blaze a different professional path—not only for himself but for his loved ones.

Raya-Pérez, a senior double-majoring in business administration management and operations and supply chain management, determined that graduating from college would aid him in achieving the professional success he longed for.

But as a first-generation Latino student, he acknowledged the difficulties he faced while navigating his freshman year at Cal State Long Beach due to the lack of academic guidance.

“As a first-generation student it was extremely difficult to find ways to succeed without the programs on campus because I never had anyone to guide me and mentor me to improve my habits,” said Raya-Pérez.

“Without the proper guidance, I would have failed two classes my first year which would have led me to my [academic] downfall and possibly drop out.”

With only a 57% graduation rate, Latinx college students are more likely to face several obstacles that interfere with their pursuit of higher education. However, RayaPérez was able to jump through his academic hurdles with the assistance of CSULB’s GenExcel program.

Through the University Center for Undergraduate Advising (UCUA), the newly rebranded GenExcel program allows for one-on-one peer and faculty counseling for first-generation freshmen students in search of assistance during their transition to CSULB. Serving only first-generation students, 81% of the program’s student mentees identify as Latinx.

“We provide individualized support to our Latinx mentees. I walk my mentees to mentoring centers, The