Native American Student Support & Success Program
Mission Statement
The Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP) is focused on serving Native American students at Mt. San Jacinto College. NASSSP supports students in their academic, social, leadership and cultural development. NASSSP creates a home away from home environment for students and provides a community that will support them from their first year of college to their graduation.
Land Acknowledgement
(Written by John Torres)
Mt. San Jacinto College is situated on the traditional territories of the Cahuilla and Payómkawichum (“Luiseño”) peoples.
This land continues to be important to a diverse group of native peoples and is the home of several federally recognized sovereign nations:
- The Morongo Band of Mission Indians
- The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians
- The Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians
- The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
- The Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians
- The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians
We honor the lands, elders, and descendants of native people by recognizing that they are still here and by uplifting their stories, cultures, and communities.
We recognize that every member of Mt. San Jacinto College has, and continues to benefit from, the use and occupation of unceded land since the institution’s founding in 1963.
Mt. San Jacinto College has a responsibility to acknowledge, show respect, and make visible the connections between MSJC and native peoples. As a college, we are striving imperfectly, toward being an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community.
The college is committed to strengthening its relationship with present-day indigenous communities in the district by supporting tribal nations. Mt. San Jacinto College will continue to create and enhance educational opportunities for indigenous students and local tribal communities.
About the Emblem Above
This Emblem for Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) is created by a Luiseño/ Payómkawichum artist Summer Paa'ila Herrera. She not only created this emblem but also helped construct the design. It's essential to include Native voices, especially regarding Meaningful representation. Mt. San Jacinto College occupies traditional territories of the Cahuilla, Luiseño, and Cupeño peoples. This program aims to support students in academic success while also supporting cultural wellness. This emblem is of a traditional home style of the Luiseño but is like few other traditional housing styles in California. This emblem is representative of the program's goals. What we hope students will feel when they see the emblem is Meaningful representation, Safe space, home, and community.
Services
- Counseling
- Mentoring
- Student Support
- Tribal community
- Workshops cultural/ academic
- Campus Tours for Pathways
- General Questions
- Welcoming space for Indigenous students
- Scholarship help
Connect with us in the NASSSP Lobby
Join the Indigenous Peoples Club!
Submit a NASSSP Financial Support form
Events
Fall 2024
Participate in scholarship workshops designed for Native American Students
December 6th | 11am-12pm
Join us for a career path Q&A with members of our native community!
October 24th | 1-3:30pm
Menifee Valley Campus, Room 927
Tuesday, September 24 | 6pm
San Jacinto Campus Theater | Building 1500
July 16, 2024
San Jacinto Campus Room 305 & Virtual
Photos
Resources
Contact Us
Hello/ Haku My name is Cuauhtli T. Ramos. I am a citizen of the Tejon Indian Tribe. I am the Native American Student Support & Success Program Coordinator here at MSJC. I got my degree from the University of California Riverside in Native American Studies. I am passionate about helping Native people reach their goals. Some things I am interested in including Tribal Food sovereignty, hiking, and biking. I look forward to working with you all.
Cuauhtli Ramos, Interim NASSSP Director
curamos@msjc.edu | (951) 487-3557
Hello, my name is Liliana Castro, I am a Counselor at Mt. San Jacinto College, Menifee Valley Campus and a proud MSJC alumna. When I began my academic journey at MSJC, it was rough start but with the right resources I was able to earn my associate degree in Liberal Arts Social and Behavioral Sciences. I transferred to the University of California, Riverside and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Ethnic Studies. I went on to earn a master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Redlands. I became a counselor because someone believed in me and was always encouraging me to be my best self. Becoming a counselor was an opportunity to give back to my community and future generations. I really enjoy helping students reach their academic and career goals.
Liliana Castro, Counselor
licastro@msjc.edu | (951) 639-5263
Hello Eagles, my name is Yvonne and I am a Student Success Navigator for the Native American Student Support & Success Program. As a MSJC Navigator I am able to assist you with the matriculation process, such as registering for courses or navigating different MSJC platforms. I can also support you by providing resources, assisting you with scheduling an appointment with a counselor, and addressing any questions you may have, so that you obtain your educational goals and can succeed at MSJC.
Yvonne Urias, Lead Navigator
yurias@msjc.edu | (951) 639-5264