Chico State’s Cross-Cultural Leadership Center Serves the Beauty and Diversity of California’s Population

Research has shown time and again that college students with strong networks of friends, family, mentors and teachers are more likely to stay engaged, persist and graduate.

For nearly two decades, Chico State’s Cross-Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC) has helped students – including those who are first-generation college students or new to Chico – build those connections on campus. Founded in 2007, the CCLC brings students together through mentorship, leadership development and cultural learning, creating a place where students from all backgrounds can find community and feel supported.

CCLC’s Affinity Centers

The center’s work expanded in fall 2024 with the opening of three cultural affinity centers: the Black Resource Center, El Centro Resource Center, and Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Resource Center.

Each offers mentoring, advising, academic support, professional development and leadership opportunities, while giving students space to connect through shared experiences. And while the centers are designed to support particular student communities, their doors are open to all Chico State students.

Building Belonging on Campus

For CCLC Director Dawn Frank, a Chico State alumna, the centers are also part of the University’s responsibility to reflect and serve California. “California’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and CSU, Chico has a responsibility to reflect and serve the communities that make up our state and North State region,” she said, noting the identity-specific cultural centers honor the rich histories and contributions of these communities throughout the North State. “They create spaces for belonging, mentorship, cultural connection, and student success while affirming that every student’s identity and lived experience has a valued place at Chico State.”

During the past year, the centers have brought the campus and wider community together for celebrations including Lunar New Year, Hmong New Year, Holi, Latinx Heritage Month and Black History Month, as well as programs such as the Diversity Summit retreat.

Beyond the affinity centers, the CCLC offers cultural heritage celebrations, leadership programs, and Shades of Nature, which brings students together to explore outdoor destinations around Butte County.

APIDA Resource Center host the Asian Night Market with various foods and goods being sold on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Chico, Calif. (Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State) Dancers perform at CCLC’s Affinity Center APIDA Resource Center’s annual Asian Night Market on campus, which features local food vendors, student groups, cultural performances and community tabling. Photos provided by Chico State Cross Cultural Leadership Center.

Underlying it all is the strong belief that students are more likely to thrive when they feel connected to their university and anchored by a network of support.

This mindset has guided the CCLC since long before the affinity centers opened. Years ago, former CCLC staff member Krystle Tonga described hearing from students who sometimes found themselves as the only student of color in a classroom. At the CCLC, their response was different: “This is my space, this is my piece of Chico State.”

The three affinity centers are still growing, and Frank describes them as being in an “infant phase,” with room to evolve as Chico State learns more about how best to meet students’ needs.

North State families can experience some of that community for themselves this fall. While most affinity center programs and services are geared toward Chico State students and the campus community, select cultural events welcome the public.

Sept. 23, the APIDA Resource Center will host its first Autumn Market from 5-8pm on Trinity Lawn. With food, goods, music and performances, the event offers prospective students and their families a chance to experience campus community beyond the classroom.

For more information, you can reach the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center at (530)898-4101 or email culturalcenters@csuchico.edu.