Umoja-ASTEP Learning Community
Umoja - ASTEP is a learning community and transfer support program that focuses on the African American community college experience through the nurturing of knowledge, intellect, academic exploration, cultural, and spiritual identities, gifts, values and practices.
In the fall of 2020, Skyline College became a member of California’s statewide Umoja community, bringing together Umoja practices with the existing ASTEP Learning Community.
*Courses are noted as "Identified as a Umoja Learning Community Cohort"
What you can expect when you join
Umoja students will benefit from the following services and support networks:
- Supportive network of culturally competent faculty, staff, and administrators to help you reach your goals
- Transfer support and planning, including transfer pathways to the UCs, CSUs, and HBCUs
- Statewide conferences and symposia sponsored by the Umoja Community Education Foundation (statewide Umoja organization)
- Dedicated academic counselor and specialist
- Field trips to museums, for example Museum of the African Diaspora
- Campus visits to local universities
- Leadership Opportunities
- Bi-Weekly porch talks and social time
- Mental health, finance, and scholarship workshops
Program Expectations
Members of the Umoja - ASTEP Learning Community are expected to uphold the below program requirements:
- A semester long commitment to your coursework and academic success
- Participation in Umoja gatherings, field trips, celebrations, and/or BSU (Black Student Union)
- Meet with one of the Umoja - ASTEP Coordinators and the Umoja - ASTEP Counselor each semester
- Complete a Student Education Plan (SEP)
- Regularly attend all classes and complete course assignments
- Connect with the campus Umoja - ASTEP network for support to balance school, family, and/or work life
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California College Promise Grant application