Berkeley City College -- Umoja Scholars Academy (BCCUSA)

Umoja, (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of our California (CA) Community College students.

Purpose:

The intent of BCCUSA is to provide access to African American students and others who would appreciate and benefit learning from the African Diaspora viewpoint.  The commonality among these students will be an academic competitive spirit and the desire to attain an advanced education.

Goals:

• Obliterate the achievement gap for African Americans by instituting an alternative approach that considers the wholeness of the human being: mind, body and spirit
• Increase access to those populations that have historically experienced a wide achievement gap in academia
• Create a welcoming environment that encourages self-efficacy (one’s sense of self-efficacy can play a major role in how one approaches goals, tasks and challenges, Albert Bandura)
• Increase transfer rates to four-year institutions
• Personalize within the individual the desire to succeed

Benefits & Services:

• Dedicated Tutors
• Book Vouchers
• Mentors
• Village Space
• Access to Technology
• Priority Registration
• Cultural Events & Field Trips
• Dedicated Counselor
• Team Building & Semester Break Activities
• Cohort Classes
• Specialized Career, Graduation & Transfer Assistance
• Scholarships

To learn more about the Umoja program at Berkeley City College, please visit our website: https://www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/learning-communities/umoja/