Legacy Program

Established in 2000, the Cypress College Legacy Program is the first community college program in Orange County to focus on the study of the African-American experience. Set in a supportive academic environment, students create close bonds with peers, professors, and Cypress College staff as they participate in a variety of events on and off campus. The two-semester program is designed to offer underrepresented students an opportunity to transfer successfully to a four-year institution and to excel in university-level work. Legacy combines academic, community, and mentoring components to foster a positive, well-rounded college experience.

Legacy students are enrolled in special sections of core courses with the goal of completing a minimum of four transfer eligible courses while in the program.

  • ENGLISH — Legacy students take English 101 and English 104 their freshman year. These courses fulfill both CSU and UC transfer plans along with major core requirements for specified career pathways. Students will increase their ability of both written language and critical thinking skills with the accomplishment of the English sequence.
  • COUNSELING — Legacy students also take COUN 150 C and COUN 160 C within their freshman year. These classes help Legacy students connect to study skills, tutorial services, mental health counseling, career exploration, academic education plan completion, and identify lifetime goals.
  • ETHNIC STUDIES — While taking ENGL 104 C, Legacy students will be concurrently enrolled in ETHS 129 C. These classes offer complementary curriculum so students will be able to take material they learn from both classes to improve their knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of the African-American experience.
  • INDEPENDENT STUDIES - INDS 115 is an Independent Studies section that focuses on the African American learning and cultural experience with the goal of academic, social, and overall positive health and healing perspective. This experience will galvanize the student/Legacy experience and will be taken within the student’s freshman year.
  • MENTORING — The Legacy Program matches each student with a mentor from the Cypress College faculty and staff who will offer guidance, support, and encouragement during the program year.
  • SPECIAL ACTIVITIES — Students participate in Legacy sponsored campus and community programs and events throughout the year. The Legacy Program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about African-American history and culture while developing the skills necessary to be a successful college student.

For more information, call (714) 484-7271.