Umoja Scholars Program

a student recites poetry during a Juneteenth celebration

Akwaaba (Welcome) to our Umoja Scholars Program

Umoja, (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a program dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students.

Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through events, conferences, and curriculum that is responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas. 

You can be an Umoja Scholar.

Sign up now to be on our emailing list

umoja logo

Community and Belonging

  • You'll be part of a supportive community where your cultural identity is embraced and celebrated.

  • Umoja provides a safe space to connect with other students, helping you feel seen, valued, and at home on campus.

Cultural Affirmation and Safe Space

  • Umoja offers a dedicated space on campus where students can connect with peers who share their cultural background, making it  easier to navigate college life while embracing one’s identity.

Academic & Personal Support

  • From registering for classes to navigating personal challenges, Umoja is a reliable support system.
  • Students often say Umoja kept them motivated through tough times and helped them grow both personally and academically.

Leadership and Growth Opportunities

  • You'll have opportunities to lead, design workshops, and make your voice heard.

  • Umoja encourages your involvement in shaping the program and the campus culture.

Cultural & Educational Events

  • Participate in events and experiences that highlight Black excellence and celebrate your heritage.

  • These events are not just inspiring—they also help you grow, learn, and network.

Lifelong networks 

  • Community of peers and faculty who increase your personal and professional growth

All students are welcome to join!
The Umoja Scholars Program is open to everyone and especially designed to support and affirm the experiences of students from the African and African American Diasporas. Our work is guided by Umoja’s 18 Core Practices, which promote academic success, cultural identity, and community building.

Once You’re Part of Umoja, We Thrive Together

Becoming part of Umoja means joining a village that grows, supports, and celebrates with you. 

Once you're in, we rise together — in community, in culture, and in success.

You’re not alone. You’re part of Umoja. And together, we thrive.

  • Raising "intentional & deliberate"
  • Ethic of love - the affective domain
  • Manifesting
  • Umoja counseling: affirming, integrated, intentional
  • The porch
  • Live learning
  • Language as power
  • Tapping African American intellectual, spiritual and artistic voices
  • Awareness of connection to African Diaspora
  • Community-based and communal intelligence
  • Acceleration - English, math, ESL and counsel
  • Occupy study spaces on campus
  • Mentoring
  • Mattering
  • Umoja as a power base
  • Encircling diversity
  • Gifting
  • Everybody's business
  • HDC 101: Orientation to College Success
  • HEA 225: Global Health 

EVENTS: 

October 5th 1PM UMOJA Porch Talk 

October 15th 1PM UMOJA Workshop with SharpSkills 

October 29th 1PM UMOJA Movie Night 

November 5th 1PM UMOJA Workshop - Financial Literacy 

November 12th 1PM UMOJA Workshop - Ijeoma Oluo

Space is limited!!!  

Sign up early. 

We encourage you to sign up for these event 

SIGN UP HERE!!! 

More to come stay tune.