Black Scholars team empowers students
Launched earlier this year through the Citrus College Counseling and Advisement Center, the Black Scholars program continues to grow and support student success.
Led by adjunct counselor La Quirshia Fennell and educational advisor Dominic Jacquet, the program aims to increase retention within the college's Black population and promote Black excellence through history, scholarship and community. It offers several benefits, such as counseling and advisement support, cultural events, leadership opportunities and mentorship.
As the program's counselor and coordinator, Ms. Fennell works with students to create education plans while connecting them with campus resources. Mr. Jacquet, who serves as educational advisor, supports students through education plans and checking in with them throughout the semester.
"Black Scholars is an important program at Citrus College, as it demonstrates how culturally relevant programs improve a student's sense of belonging on campus," said Ms. Fennell.
Throughout the year, the program has hosted virtual game nights, Zoom background challenges and Village Hour. Offered biweekly, Village Hour is a safe space where students can congregate online and share what they are experiencing.
Ms. Fennell and Mr. Jacquet said the events increase student motivation and academic excellence.
The Black Scholars program also coordinates activities with the college's Men of Color Mentor Program, which connects students with faculty and staff who are committed to helping them achieve their educational goals. Mr. Jacquet serves as a mentor within that program, and Ms. Fennell is one of the committee members.
For more information about the Citrus College Black Scholars program, visit www.citruscollege.edu/blackscholars, email blackscholars@citruscollege.edu and follow instagram.com/black_scholars.cc.
This article originally appeared in the November 2021 edition of the Citrus View.