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The California State University, Long Beach, University Honors Program, in collaboration with , was selected for a second year in a row to receive generous philanthropic funding that supports ������ student mentors to go into Long Beach K-12 schools to help bolster the college pipeline for local students. The $15,000 grant is being used to support ongoing efforts to empower young leaders and expand opportunities for community impact. Dr. Sandra Peréz, University Honors Program Director, shares, “We are honored to receive this grant for the second time. Through our ongoing partnership with Long Beach BLAST, this initiative not only creates a meaningful impact in the Long Beach community but also provides our students with opportunities to live out one of our key pillars—civic engagement. Together, we are empowering students to grow as leaders while strengthening the community we serve.”

This grant enables the ������ University Honors Program to partner with Long Beach BLAST in supporting local K-12 students through a mentoring program. Participating ������ students will further their leadership skills, while the K-12 participants will receive support in their academic journey. Through this program, we hope to inspire and impact all participants and further academic achievement in the Long Beach community.

Kristen Gibbel, honors student and 2024 Mentor, shares, “At the end of the day, we’re not just tutors—we’re also there to support students in any other areas where they might need help. You get to see so much potential in these younger kids, and it’s inspiring. Honestly, I think as we grow older, we sometimes lose that spark but working with them helps you see it again.” Ultimately, we want all ������ mentors to cherish the impact they make on local youth and become confident, capable leaders, committed to lifelong service.