Umoja Program

Ooo-moe-juh (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a learning community and critical resource program dedicated to enhancing the critical and educational experiences of African, African American, and other students. We believe that when the voices and histories of African American students are deliberately and intentionally recognized, it will help students experience themselves as valuable and worthy of an education.

Umoja at Napa Valley College

Umoja at Napa Valley College provides an environment to Survive and Thrive and specifically targets the retention, persistence, and success of African-American students. Exclusive, it is not. Students from a diverse, wide-range of varied backgrounds are participants in the program. The overall goal is to help students progress toward their success. 

Why Such a Program?

Research has revealed that mentoring relationships, along with intentional and deliberate focus on successful strategies, help to increase positive outcomes for historically under-represented populations. Course completion and academic success in college for African-Americans are amongst the lowest of students attending California colleges. The program objective is to promote student success and improved lifetime outcomes through a curriculum that is responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.

Events

Kwanzaa

  • 2nd Tuesday in December
    location TBA 
    6-8 pm

Rites of Passage

  • 2nd Tuesday in May
    location TBA
    6-8 pm

Weekly Village and Porch Talk held in room 863

  • Time and date TBA

College Tours and Events

  • Visits to local college and universities
    fall semester
    date and location TBA
  • HBCU Tour
    during spring break
    weeklong tour - out of state
    locations TBA
  • Fall Conference
    November
    location TBA
  • Black History Month Celebration
    dates throughout February
  • Spring Symposium
    March or April
    location TBA
  • A2MEND Conference
    March
    location TBA
  • Summer Learning Institute
    June
    location TBA
  • Summer Student Leadership
    Date and location TBA
  • Possible Study Abroad Program
    Date and location TBA

Cultural Activities

  • Throughout fall and spring semester
    Dates and times TBA

 

Schedule an appointment

Dr. Ed Shenk Award recipient

How to Become "Umojafied" umoja application QR code

  •  Be committed to the goals, objectives, and mission of the Umoja Program.

  • Complete the Umoja Program Application

  • EditSign, and any supporting documents.
  • Take the required courses (COUN and COMM), (ENGL and MATH) and other related courses (ETHS and more).
  • Participate in all related events and activities.
  • Meet with the Umoja Counselor a minimum of three times per semester for educational, career planning, and personal counseling.
  • Be active in "Porch Talk" - community dialogue.

  • Complete the Mentor Me application.

  • Meet with your assigned Umoja student at least 9 hours per semester.              

  • Be an advocate for the student.          

  • Participate in campus related events (when applicable).

  • Enjoy your interaction with your Umoja student.

  • Participate in the Umoja "Village" activities.
  • Be active in "Porch Talk"- Umoja community dialogue                                                
  • Support the goals and objectives of the Umoja Learning Community.
  • Attend Umoja sponsored and non sponsored events as well as Indabas​.

 

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