Hero image for Umoja students
Umoja students

Umoja Program

UMOJA: A Kiswahili word meaning unity

 

Umoja is a community of learners and educators committed to the academic success, personal growth and self-actualization of African American and other students. The Chaffey College Umoja Program seeks to educate the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. Informed by an ethic of love, the Umoja Community gains meaning through its connection to the African Diaspora. African and African American intellectual, cultural, and spiritual gifts inform Umoja Program courses, practices, and values. The Umoja Program promotes student success through a curriculum that is responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas and culture(s).

The program provides:

  • Educational planning (including degree/certificate planning)
  • Academic support (by an interdisciplinary team of Umoja faculty and staff mentors)
  • Holistic support (through events geared towards total mind/body/soul wellness)
  • Culturally-relevant classroom and life experiences, activities, and opportunities to enhance and impact learning
  • Textbook support and school supplies
  • Transfer resources to UC’s, CSU’s, Private Schools as well as HBCU’s
  • 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:

Umoja application link

 

Contact

Brent McLaren
Counselor, Umoja Program Co-Coordinator
Brent.McLaren@chaffey.edu
Charles Williams
English Professor, Umoja Program Co-Coordinator
Charles.Williams@chaffey.edu

 

Umoja Team

Brent McLaren, Counselor
Charles Williams
, English Professor
Tara Johnson
, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising Professor
Dr. Taisha McMickens
, Communication Studies Professor
Donald Essex, DPS Counselor
Adam Martinez, English Professor
Dr. Emilie Koenig, English Professor
Bradley Franklin
, Systems Specialist
Dominique Johnson, Counselor
La Quirshia Fennell
, Counselor
Kenyon Callahan, Political Science Professor