History of Center for Student Empowerment (CSE)

CSE was initiated in 1994 to recruit, retain, and propel African American students towards earning a degree and becoming successful after receiving their undergraduate degrees. The program offered three primary services. Those services were scholarship resources, student internships, and enhanced campus services.

BEST Program

Maintaining the historical mission of the Center for Student Empowerment, The Black Excellence Scholars Program (BEST) program will serve as a two-semester independent and interdisciplinary learning experience open to African American students across all majors. The goal of BEST is to provide academic support and professional development to African American students and empower them with the necessary tools and resources for success. Students participating in the program will be required to complete an internship, complete a research project with a paired UH faculty and attend professional development lectures by guest scholars and professionals within their career field.

Program Benefits:

• Summer Internship/Research Placement
• Departmental Academic Support
• Mentorship from UH Faculty Member
• Educational and Social Programming to Enhance Student Experience
• Leadership Development
• Cohort-Style Peer Relationships
• Semester Stipend