Umoja Student Leadership Summit 2026 at UC Berkeley

Student Leadership Summit 2026

August 6 – 8, 2026 • UC Berkeley • Berkeley, California

August 6 – 8, 2026
University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, California
For Umoja students from across the state
Leadership development • Community building • Student empowerment


About the Summit

The Umoja Community Education Foundation is excited to announce the 2026 Umoja Student Leadership Summit, taking place August 6–8, 2026 at the University of California, Berkeley. This annual student-centered experience brings together Umoja students from across the state for leadership development, community building, cultural engagement, and personal growth.

Through interactive workshops, student-centered presentations, collaborative learning experiences, and intentional community-building activities, participants will strengthen their leadership skills while deepening their connection to the Umoja community. SLS encourages students to see themselves as leaders capable of creating meaningful change on their campuses and in their communities.

Leadership Development Build student voice, agency, confidence, and practical leadership skills
Community Building Connect with Umoja students from colleges across the state
Purpose & Action Leave with commitments, goals, and a campus action plan

What to Expect

Students will participate in leadership workshops, wellness sessions, courageous conversations, campus team planning, cultural celebration, and evening community-building activities. The summit is intentionally designed to support belonging, skill-building, and action — helping students return to their campuses with renewed purpose and practical strategies for impact.

Day 1 I Belong Here — Identity, belonging, and connection
Day 2 I Can Lead — Leadership, advocacy, and student voice
Day 3 I Will Lead — Purpose, action, and campus planning

Summit Location

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Students will gather on campus for three days of leadership learning, cultural grounding, relationship building, and action planning.


Sample Summit Agenda

Please note: Agenda times and session titles may be adjusted as planning is finalized.

Day 1 — Thursday, August 6, 2026: “I Belong Here”
Time Agenda Item
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Arrival, Check-In & Residence Hall Move-In
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch & Networking
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Opening Ceremony & Umoja Welcome Circle
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM What Kind of Leader Am I? Interactive Leadership Session
5:15 PM – 6:30 PM Campus Team Challenge / Scavenger Hunt
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
7:45 PM – 9:15 PM Community Night Mixer
  • Silent disco
  • Step/stroll showcase
  • Open mic
  • Game tournament
  • Karaoke
  • Black trivia night
Day 2 — Friday, August 7, 2026: “I Can Lead”
Time Agenda Item
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Morning Wellness Session
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Keynote / Alumni Inspiration Session
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Leadership Workshop Block 1
  • Public speaking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Leading student organizations
  • Professional communication
  • Time management and balance
  • Advocacy and student voice
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM Leadership Workshop Block 2
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Courageous Conversations / Identity Sessions
  • Being Black in higher education
  • Imposter syndrome
  • Masculinity, femininity, and identity
  • Mental wellness
  • Healing-centered engagement
  • Navigating microaggressions
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM Student Action Lab: Campus Challenge Project
  • Belonging
  • Transfer readiness
  • Mental health
  • Student engagement
  • Food insecurity
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Black Excellence Night / Umoja Olympics / Talent Showcase
  • Spades tournament
  • Double Dutch
  • Relay races
  • Trivia
  • Step competition
  • Campus spirit competition
Day 3 — Saturday, August 8, 2026: “I Will Lead”
Time Agenda Item
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM My Future Self Visioning Session
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Campus Team Planning Time
  • What will we bring back?
  • What event or program will we lead?
  • How will we strengthen Umoja?
  • Create 90-day action plans
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Closing Ceremony & Student Commitments
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Group Photo & Departure