Why a Learning Community?
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.
For more information please contact:
Jeannette McClendon
Coordinator, Professor, Counselor
jmcclendon@napavalley.edu
510 367- 1141 (msg)
Spring 2022
The Umoja classes (COUN, and SPCH) will be held in a hybrid format. Math and English will be taught online only.
Check with the program for specifics.
Events for Spring 2022
Monthly Indabas - 2nd Thursday of the Month
(Jan 20. Feb. 10, Mar. 10, Apr. 7)
Weekly Porch Talks - selected Thursdays
Umoja Symposium: TBA
February: Black History Month March - Student Symposium April - Cultural events
May: Rites of Passage (May 12, time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm)
Umoja Faculty Training (June 13-14)
Summer Learning Institute (June 15-18)
STEM Transfer Academy (July 14-16)
Student Leadership Summit (August 4-6)