Otter Cross Cultural Center

OC3 Social Justice Scholar Program

The OC3 Social Justice Scholars Program focuses on creating campus engagement opportunities that value developing students' cultural awareness, understanding of social justice, and growth during their time at CSUMB. The purpose of the program is to explore, address, and learn about issues that impact our communities well being through a critical and social justice lens. The Social Justice Scholars Program is designed to provide our participants with opportunities to develop student-led programs based on their interests. Each student will receive a budget to organize an event they are passionate about. 

Mission

The mission of the OC3 Social Justice Scholar Program is to provide opportunities for students to develop and cultivate a social justice framework in their academics, leadership, and day-to-day lives to address social inequities. Our scholars will gain knowledge and learn important terms and phrases associated with advocacy, identity, cross-culturalism, gender-identity, ableism, leadership, and how these social justice issues interconnect with one another. Our mission aims for students to become more involved with their communities, and to develop an understanding of their own identity. Our mission aims at re-imagining and attempting to transform what inclusive and healthy communities can look like.

Requirements

The Social Justice Scholars program requires two semesters. In the Fall, scholars will learn and explore social justice topics. Scholars will also be responsible for organizing a group event that explores a social justice topic. In the Spring, scholars will select a topic they are passionate about. In Spring, scholars will move from researching their project to taking action. Participants will organize a campus event focused on the issue they selected.

Please note: Graduate Students are unable to apply for this program.

The time commitment is as follows:

  • Attend one weekly one-hour meeting facilitated by the OC3 Social Justice Scholar Student Coordinator and the OC3 Director (meeting times are TBD pending on cohort availability).
  • Attend bi-monthly 1-1 Check-In Meetings with the OC3 Social Justice Scholar Student Coordinator.
  • Co-Organize an event in the Fall alongside the other Social Justice Scholars
  • Organize your own event with a Social Justice focus in the Spring

Social Justice Scholars will receive a small budget to organize their event. We estimate the time commitment at approximately 30 hours in Fall and 30 hours in the Spring. If you are interested in participating, please complete the application. The deadline to apply is September 8th, 2024. 

Students will be selected by their interest and commitment to social justice. All students are welcome to apply.