CSN Logo

Empowerment Network Initiative

Empowerment Network Initiative logo

CSN’s Empowerment Network Initiative (ENI) is an identity-based cohort program that assists and empowers students during their journey at CSN. The program promotes mutual support in personal growth, professional development and academic success. Spring 2021 will feature the Black Male Movement (B2M) which is a cohort based program for students who identify as a Black and/or African American men.

Black Male Movement (B2M)

The Black Male Movement (B2M) is a cohort based program for students who identify as a Black and/or African American men to become empowered through teamwork, skill building, and shared experiences. While the aim is to support Black/African American men, B2M is open to anyone who is interested in empowering and advocating with Black/African American men.

B2M Membership

There are two types of memberships: B2M and B2M+. The following table explains the eligiblity and benefits of both membership types:

 
B2Md
B2M+  
Eligiblity

B2M membership is open to CSN students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

* Enrolled for spring 2021 (required) 
* Able to take ALS 101 (required)*
* Able to take ENG 100, COM 101 or EDU 280 *
* Interested in building a movement of Black males to empower one another

* For Spring 2021, ALS 101 is held on Mondays at 6pm, COM 101 is held on Wednesdays at 4pm, ENG 100 is held on Fridays at 10am, and EDU 280 is still tentative. Once your application is accepted, an academic Counselor work with you to enroll you in the necessary courses while ensuring you stay on track to complete/graduate/transfer.

B2M+ membership is open to CSN students who meet one the following criteria:

* Enrolled for spring 2021 (required) 
* Interested in building a movement of Black males to empower one another

Benefits

You will have opportunities to:

* Lead the B2M movement by connecting with other student groups, plan events, and volunteer in the community
* Participate in a college and life skills success courses
* Network with other Black/African American men 
* Participate in exclusive leadership and academic conferences and workshops
* Attend sessions on financial aid, scholarship opportunities, careers, leadership and study skills
* Learn about academic resources and professional support services
* Connect with CSN mentors/coaches
* Apply for scholarship funding
* Utilize the Laptop Loan Program and Textbook Assistance Program

You will have opportunities to:

* Lead the B2M movement by connecting with other student groups, plan events, and volunteer in the community
* Network with other Black/African American men 
* Participate in exclusive leadership and academic conferences and workshops
* Attend sessions on financial aid, scholarship opportunities, careers, leadership and study skills
* Learn about academic resources and professional support services
* Connect with CSN mentors/coaches
* Apply for scholarship funding
* Utilize the Laptop Loan Program and Textbook Assistance Program

Application

To join B2M or B2M+, please complete the online application. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.

Student Quotes
Avatar image of Nathan
Ever since I decided to start back to school, I have been terrified of failing. I have wanted to give up so many times and it's just my first quarter. One thing has helped to keep me from this, it was the program. I felt like I was going on this journey alone and was having issues with everything, but from the very beginning with Natalie just going out of her way to help me get ready for the first class to professor Freeman and Witcher making me feel like I belong and I deserve to be here. There are so many others that I have met that have extended their help to us. I can honestly say that this program is like a family and once your in that family you don't want to let them down. I can't tell you how vital this program is to individuals me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
CSN Student Nathan
Avatar image of Brooken
I am happy to have found the B2M program ... I am hopeful I will learn a lot from the program and that I will be able to give what I learn to other Black men in the future. Even more so now that I found out I will be a having a boy come February 7th. I want him to have more opportunities available to him then I had in my lifetime.
CSN Student Brooken

Meet the Advisory Team

Brian Akins, Director

Akins, Brian

Director

Student Affairs

email |   7026514669
Daniel Alvarado, Director

Alvarado, Daniel

Director

Student Affairs

email |   (702) 651-2701
Nadia Czesky, Temporary - Manager

Czesky, Nadia

Temporary - Manager

Inclusive Learning

email |   702-651-5201
Placeholder Profile Picture

Green, Montel

Academic Advisor

Academic Advising Department

email |   702-651-7765
Leanita Hughes, Senior Specialist

Hughes, Leanita

Senior Specialist

Career and Transfer Services

email |   (702)651-4144
Natalie Nelson, Coordinator

Nelson, Natalie

Coordinator

Inclusive Learning

email |   (702) 651-2726
Amy Palmer, E-Alert Lead Counselor

Palmer, Amy

E-Alert Lead Counselor

Academic Counseling

email |   (702) 651-3615
Placeholder Profile Picture

Simmons, Gregrette

Coordinator - Academic Advising

Academic Advising Department

email |   (702)651-3760
Placeholder Profile Picture

Tory, Sean

Coordinator

Student Life and Leadership Development

email |   (702) 651-4515
Karen Violanti, Director

Violanti, Karen

Director

First Year Experience & Student Success Initiatives Office

email |   
Kali Woods, Temporary Faculty - Professional

Woods, Kali

Temporary Faculty - Professional

Department of Recruitment & College Connections

email |   (702)651-2746