• Enroll in a minimum of three (3) units each semester

• Attend an Umoja Program Orientation and end of the academic year event

• Meet a minimum of two times a semester with the Umoja Academic Counselor and complete an appropriate educational plan

• Enroll in English, Career & Guidance courses, attend a minimum of two (2) cultural events/field trips and/or Umoja Student Life Club sponsored activities each semester.

• Complete Financial Aid FAFSA Application

Enhance your student experience by participating in the Umoja Club

Joining the Umoja Club is an easy way to enhance your college experience while building long lasting networks and community.

The Umoja Community has two ways that you can join! You can be a Umoja Scholar or a Umoja Club Member.

Benefits of joining the Umoja Club

· Deeper understanding of African American culture and experiences

· Opportunities to attend Umoja-sponsored conferences and events

· Community Service Opportunities

· Access to Umoja Community scholarships

· Increased self-confidence

· Positive relationships with other Umoja Community peers

· Dedicated Umoja Academic Counselor

· College Field Trips (CSU, UC, HBCU, etc.)

· Cultural Activities and Workshops

Early in the development of the Umoja Community, a group of faculty created a collection of pedagogical, communication, and cultural practices that represent a shared wisdom in language that resonated with the African American community. The Umoja Practices© weave together into a multi-colored fabric of community and connection. That fabric stretches to include students’ and educators’ lives at college campuses and beyond and are the foundation for all the Umoja Community affiliated colleges. These practices are the foundation of the Affiliated College programs on California Community Colleges.

Scholarships

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay-Scholarship began in 2004, sponsored by George Ow Jr. in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. and of Ow's commissioned sculpture of the King by Barrington McLean, the first African American faculty member of Cabrillo College. Dr. King, one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of all time, espoused social justice, nonviolence, and human rights activism. He dreamed of an equitable society wherein all people are treated with dignity and respect. His vision and philosophy, that individuals should not be judged by the color of their skin, sex, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or class,; but by the content of their character, maintains relevant today. All students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

The Tony Hill Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 to support Cabrillo College students, primarily students of color. Tony Hill was a prominent community activist and treasured mentor who passed away in 2007. He was an inspirational leader, gifted mediator, and bridge-builder in our community. Tony worked tirelessly for social and economic justice, education, housing, and jobs for African Americans. He dedicated his life to championing the plight of the poor and often marginalized in Santa Cruz County. Cabrillo students who submit an application and essay for the MLK Scholarship will also be eligible for the $500 Tony Hill Memorial Scholarship. For more information on how to apply visit the Cabrillo the Financial Aid scholarship opportunities database.

George Floyd Memorial Scholarship

People in this county, this state, this country, and beyond have previously gathered to protest the murder of George Floyd and others by agents of law enforcement. These efforts have also brought attention to the disparities of opportunity and access experienced by black and brown communities, the prevalence of institutionalized racist policies, and the lack of positive representation of African American history, culture, and identity both nationally and locally. Because we are working actively against systemic racism and racial inequality, this scholarship is for a student who is committed to anti-racism and social justice in order to create a stronger and more equitable society.