Umoja
Are you an African American student in search of extra academic and financial support, as well as rich, rewarding cultural activities, college transfer opportunities and more? That’s what you’ll find in the Umoja program. Umoja, a Kiswahili word meaning unity, enhances the cultural and educational experiences of California community colleges by serving black students who are educationally and economically disadvantaged. This community and critical resource exists to close the achievement gap.
The program provides:
- Academic and personal support
- Resources to transfer to University of California and California State University schools, as well as historically black colleges and universities
- Culturally-relevant classroom and life experiences, activities and programs to enhance and impact learning
- Leadership opportunities on campus and in the community
Advantages to being in Umoja include:
- Individual counseling support
- Referrals to community and campus resources
- Student support network
- Mentoring
- Student leadership training/opportunities
- Annual Umoja Community Regional Symposium and Conferences
Apply
In order to become an Umoja member, you must complete an Umoja application, meet with an Umoja Counselor and attend at least two events per semester.
Umoja application link
Schedule counseling appointment
Umoja Counselors:
- Brent McCLaren
- Donald Essex
- Jean Oh
- Dominque Johnson
- La Quirshia Fennell
Contact
Program Assistant/Umoja co-coordinator
Special Population and Equity Programs
(909) 652-6505
tiffany.coleman@chaffey.edu
Testimonials
“They say that when you have the support of family and loved ones your success comes a bit easier. I feel as though I have another family with Umoja. I can never go wrong because day in and day out they are by my side. I have had many opportunities to interact with my school and do things that I never would have thought of doing before Umoja. I can focus more knowing that I am not in this alone and to make things even better, I am helped and geared for the right path when things get very patchy along the road. I am part of a community that encourages me to use my language as Power, allowing me to tap into my own world where I can use my language to grow and empower my fellow Umoja family members. Umoja has brought me further than I even saw myself and I am forever thankful.”
“Umoja has really instilled a sense of leadership in myself. The wonderful people apart of this organization have been so supportive, and have made me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. Whether that be academically or outside of the classroom. It's given me a wonderful opportunity to not only leave an impact on my college campus, but also to meet extraordinary people from all backgrounds of the diaspora.”
“Being the president of Umoja has allowed me to be more fearless and relentless about the things I want in order to succeed.”
Mentors
If you're a faculty, staff or community member interested in mentoring Umoja students, please contact us at (909) 652-6505. You will need to fill out our Umoja program mentor application as well.
Events and Activities
What is Umoja?
Umoja is a student service and academic program as well as a community resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of Black, African, and African American students.
Please download the image to enlarge the flyer
Chaffey College African American Cultural Celebration of graduates
Umoja Team
Program Assistant/Umoja co-coordinator
Special Population and Equity Programs
Tiffany.Coleman@chaffey.edu
Financial Aid Program Assistant Queens Talk: Women’s Empowerment Facilitator
Corinthia.Crawford@chaffey.edu
