Program Benefits and Requirements

Program Benefits

Umoja students will benefit from the following services and support:

  • A supportive network of faculty, staff, administrators, and student mentors who have the cultural competence to help you reach your goals
  • Cohort-based, Afro-centric learning opportunities in English, Political Science, and Math
  • A peer mentoring program for first-year students
  • Transfer support and planning, including transfer pathways to the UCs, CSUs, and HBCUs
  • Statewide conferences and symposia sponsored by the Umoja Community Education Foundation (statewide Umoja organization)
  • A dedicated academic counselor and retention specialist
  • Access to the Village, a dedicated study and social space for Umoja, Social Sciences, and Honors students
  • Field trips to museums, like the De Young and Museum of the African Diaspora, Bay Area mural tours, and cultural events including an orientation, African Harvest Festival, district-wide Umoja fall kick-off, Black film festival, Black history month celebrations with the BSU, and annual spring Juneteenth Celebration
  • Campus visits to local universities
  • Black Student Union (BSU) membership
  • Weekly porch talks and social time
  • Mental health, finance, and scholarship workshops (including automatic SparkPoint enrollment for those who qualify)
  • Priority Registration 

 

Program Requirements

Members of the Umoja Community are expected to complete the following program requirements:

  • For cohort students, make a one-year commitment to the coursework and all class expectations
  • Participate in Umoja gatherings, field trips, celebrations, and BSU
  • Meet with the Umoja Counselor twice (2x) a semester
  • Complete a Student Education Plan (SEP)
  • Meet with the Umoja retention specialist twice (2x) a semester and the Umoja coordinator once (1x) a semester
  • Meet with Umoja instructors, counselor, retention specialist, and/or coordinator if struggling to balance school, family, and/or work so that we can fully support you
  • Actively participate in the peer mentoring program
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)(if eligible) and the California College Promise Grant application