Contrary to popular belief, “The Innovation Incubator is open to all students,” David Ochi said.
By Katherine Quezada, Staff Reporter. Photo By: Compare Fibre, Courtesy of Unsplash
Did you know that CSUDH offers multiple programs and fellowships to increase skill sets and expand resumes for students of all majors?
With classes now back in person, students learning to navigate campus, and everything it has to offer, there are multiple resources and programs one can take advantage of to make their college experience flourish along with enjoyment. Here are some examples:
WestCal Career Pathway: WestCal Academy, a new program in the CSUDH Innovation Incubator. The Innovation Incubator’s goal is to offer events and educational programs for the DH community as well as the surrounding ones in Los Angeles where social entrepreneurship is one of the key focal points. “The Innovation Incubator is open to all students, not just business majors,” said Executive Director of the Innovation Incubator David Ochi. WestCal Academy is dedicated to mentoring all students interested, by creating relationships with industry professionals and institutions to prepare individuals for the real world. The objective of the program is to help students navigate career possibilities during their college career so they feel confident and sure of what they want to do after graduating. The official launch date of the program is still pending but, “WestCal is utilizing workshops as a marketing tool to promote their services and bring in potential applicants of any major,” Ochi said.
10X10 Venture Challenge: Presented by the Innovation Incubator at CSUDH students are challenged to work 10 hours a week for 10 weeks and create a business with the goal of making a profit of $1,000 within that time frame in a legal and ethical way. It focuses the students on creating a business through skill sets they already have and immediately focuses on the initiative of making it into a reality rather than taking the time into planning it in the traditional form that can take long periods of time. The Innovation Incubator provides training, support, and coaching along with a student startup fund. The focus is to show students the possibility of being entrepreneurs and what making an additional income on the side can allow them to achieve quicker. For more information visit the CSUDH Incubator or their website: incubator.csudh.edu
Hollywood by the Horns: Founded in 2014, the program’s mission is to increase student access to opportunities within the media industry. The program runs all academic year long and connects students to industry professionals where it can potentially pave the way for them to obtain a career within the media industry world and include more diversity where it’s needed, which is the main objective of the program. Within the program, students get access to panels, workshops, job-shadowing, tours, mentoring, feedback, etc. Hollywood by the Horns is aimed at film and television majors and they must contact the program director beforehand in order to get full access to all it has to offer. Although occasionally it provides some panels, trips, and workshops open to all students. One upcoming event open to all students is a panel of entry-level jobs within the media industry, scheduled for next month. Hollywood by the Horns provides different resources every semester but the goal of educating Toros and helping them navigate their potential career pathway remains intact with every event that is planned. “Essentially it is a program that is able to add things to students’ experiences…that is meant to be a compliment to our curriculum and essentially to the film and television media mission but, where also we can open it to students beyond that,” said Interim Director Dr. Ryan Bowles Eagle. Students can utilize their voices to tell their stories, apply the skills created throughout the curriculum within the film and television major, and access Hollywood by the Horns provides networking opportunities eventually leading to students set up for success. For more information contact Interim Director Dr. Ryan Eagle: [email protected]
The Presidential Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes excellence by providing outstanding students from the CSUDH community with greater opportunities to further their education. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, community and campus involvement, and strong leadership qualities. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to first-year students for four years, and to transfer students for two years. An annual book allowance and parking permit, laptop computer and software, recognition at commencement as a Presidential Scholar, and participation in the CA Promise, Finish in Four, Through in Two Program is included with this award along with other benefits. Students must have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.5, proof of strict community service, and highlighting leadership roles. Toros must write an essay where they include information about how CSUDH will help them achieve their educational and career goals, and how they plan to contribute to the CSUDH and the local community. The application deadline is March 17, 2022, for the 2022-2023 academic school year. For more information about other requirements, you can log into your myCSUDH student portal and click on scholarship applications.
With Toros back on campus after two years of virtual classes, they may find it intimidating in learning how to navigate their classes and learn about resources and programs. There is a place for everyone at CSUDH who seeks to better their educational experience and grow as individuals. Toros are encouraged to take full advantage of resources on campus to make their college experience full of learning opportunities and growth through building skill sets, networking with industry professionals, and getting out of their comfort zone to create positive changes to their personal experiences.
