El Centro Académico Cultural de Humboldt is committed to student development through academic, personal, and professional skills.

El Centro Académico Cultural de Humboldt, (aka El Centro) works primarily with students of Latin American descent in navigating pathways to success that honor and respect their cultural and historical trajectory. El Centro is committed to student success with a responsive approach, which seeks the development of academic, intellectual, personal, and professional growth, by functioning as a resource where students can explore and express shared values, differing experiences, distinct histories, and multi-dimensional identities to foster powerful individuals and communities. We strive to provide hospitality and genuine love and support.

 

Image of el centro staff making funny faces.

El Centro Académico Cultural strives to provide programming that is relevant and responsive to students’ needs. Check out the space and meet the student staff to learn more about our cultural, academic, personal, and professional programming geared toward empowering students to succeed at Humboldt and beyond.

Promotorx Model (peer mentorship)
We employ a mentorship model that taps into students cultural capital to develop strategies that will help students navigate higher education successfully. In our context the strategy is focused on the students’ academic well-being. We do this by both using this student peer-mentorship model and by facilitating mentorship relationships between student and faculty.

Ateneos
Ateneos are cultural spaces that bring individuals together to increase their knowledge on scientific, literary, and artistic topics to enhance students’ personal, socio-cultural, intellectual and professional growth. In our context, we reclaim the ateneo as an open critical space of encounter committed to facilitating learning and convivial research.

Apapacho (Well-being and self-care)
At the center, we employ apapacho to foster student growth in a holistic manner that takes into consideration students diverse needs. Apapacho is a nauhatl word that at its root means, “to give care” it can also be understood to mean, “To hug or caress with your soul.” At El Centro we strive to offer our students relief, comfort, and affection, in all aspects that entail apapacho which include the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Culturally Responsive Academic Advising

Application
At El Centro, our purpose is to empower Latinx students at Cal Poly Humboldt on their academic journey. Our Academic Advisors understand the diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences that shape your education. With a profound understanding of your values, we offer comprehensive guidance and support that cultivate trust and connections among students, staff, and faculty. Right from the start, the El Centro team is here to guide you through every phase, providing assistance that covers academic, personal, cultural, and professional growth, all while harnessing your individual strengths. We are dedicated to creating an environment where the unique needs of each student are genuinely addressed, fostering growth and allowing everyone to flourish. Join us in our endeavor to honor diversity, foster positive change, and nurture an authentic sense of belonging.

Latinx Graduation Celebration

For the Spring commencement we will be hosting a cultural graduation celebration. If you are interested in participating in this year's cultural graduation celebration please follow the instruction on this webpage and follow the instructions. Any questions or concerns, email El Centro's coordinator at oa8@humboldt.edu.