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UMOJA

WELCOME TO NVC UMOJA LEARNING COMMUNITY

Why a Learning Community?

Ooo-moe-juh (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. The Umoja Learning Community seeks to educate the whole student- Mind, Body, and Spirit. 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.

 The Umoja Program

The Umoja Program is a culturally responsive approach to reaching students and providing an environment to Survive and Thrive. The program 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, Instructor, Counselor

jmcclendon@napavalley.edu

707-563-1332

 NOTE: In light of the recent developments in the US, along with the pandemic, 

please know that UMOJA staff and faculty stand behind you and will offer support in any way possible.  

   We stand with you

  Black Lives Matter!!!!

 _______________________________________________________________


What our Umoja Achievers

saying at NVC:

"The faculty and staff in Umoja are like family."

 

"In class, it was like being in a family. I have made friends who are closer than my own brothers and sisters."

 

"We are held accountable for each other."

 

"I now have allies on campus that have my back."

 

"Attending the Umoja conferences and symposiums gave me the confidence I needed to excel academically."

 

"I was scared to death about college, but Ms. J and Dr. T made me feel like I could make it."

"The Counselor made me feel like I belonged at the college - provided intrusive counseling where I am made to feel important and worthy of an education". 

 

comments taken from Students

post-Self evaluations