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The Umoja Community

The Umoja Project at RCC, a Kiswahili word meaning unity, is a community-building and critical resource that is dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of students from a perspective that is responsive to the legacy of African American history and culture.

We support meaningful experiences that will lead to academic success and engagement in college life. We foster community among students and we provide students with the tools to to strengthen their relationships and enrich their ties to their home communities.

Employing an approach to student engagement retention and success that is infused with African cultural traditions and a motto of "collective work and responsibility," the components of the Umoja Project are:

1. Umoja Program
   • Membership in a statewide network of Umoja programs at California Community Colleges
   • Counseling - academic, career, financial aid, personal achievement
   • Academic Learning Communities
   • Peer Advocates/Faculty Mentors
   • Speakers, workshops, field trips
   • "Porch Talk" - Open Discussion Forums
2. Umoja Student Club
   • ​​​​​​​Campus leadership and service
   • Student Activities/ASRCC
   • Club Meetings
   • Kings of Umoja
   • Queen of Umoja
   • Campus and Community Service
3. HOME Room Student Engagement Center (Hope, Opportunity, Mentoring, Empowerment). As the campus home for the Umoja Project, the HOME Room opened in 2008 as the first Student Engagement Center at RCC. It was developed in response to the need for deliberate and intentional interaction between African American students, faculty, and staff to facilitate student success. It continues to be a place for students to relax, study, and interact with one another and with faculty and staff.

The HOME Room is a welcoming space for building community. This Student Engagement Center provide computer and printer access, charging stations, school supplies and other resources, career guidance and academic counseling, tutoring, workshops, and a space for club meetings and events.

The Umoja Community Requirements

The Umoja Learning Community is African/African/American/Black centered; however, anyone can apply and participate. To be eligible, students must complete the following steps:

1. Submit Umoja application
2. Attend a mandatory program orientation
3. Sign a Umoja Project Statement of Commitments

Address:

H.O.M.E. Room and Umoja Community 

Bradshaw Building 110

Riverside City College

4800 Magnolia Avenue

Riverside, CA 92506

Phone: 

951-222-8130 (HOME Room)