Umoja Community

Coastline's Umoja Community is a learning community dedicated to transforming, enriching and advancing the lives of students through infusing culturally relevant pedagogy and practices.

Our Mission Statement

UMOJA, Kiswahili meaning unity, is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. Coast Community Umoja programs offer students the unique experience of access Umoja across the three Coast Campuses. We believe that access, inclusivity, and community with guided support are foundational for academic and life success. With Coastline Community Umoja, our students will have access culturally relevant curriculum and support on campus and virtually, so our unique student populations are included in our collective goal of success.

Incentives and Services

Coastline's Umoja program is a safe place to discuss the real issues that affect students and the broad community. Moreover, there are many incentives and support services when you join our Umoja program, for example:

• Qualify for our laptop lending program
• Access to our carefully curated book library
• Receive book vouchers
• Priority registration
• Increase academic skills and abilities
• Be a part of a learning community
• Motivational and educational workshops
• Community service opportunities
• Peer-to-peer-support
• Museum exhibits/cultural exhibits and college tours
• ...and more!

Not a Coastline student yet? Learn how to become one and have access to our services.

Become an UMOJA Member

Receive access to culturally relevant curriculum and support at Coastline. Apply to join the Coastline Umoja Program today!

UMOJA Student Agreement

Please complete the following student agreement. We are excited to welcome you as a new member to our community. Thank you for pursuing unity, purpose, community, and accountability on our campus.

Interest Form

Want to learn more before you apply? We understand! Fill out our Umoja program interest form to receive more information on Umoja.

Coastline's Umoja Leadership

• Program Coordinators
  Coastline has two Umoja program coordinators. Please reach out with any questions.
  

  • Leighia Fleming, Director of Student Equity & Title IX, lfleming5@coastline.edu
  • Dr. Dana Emerson, Dean of Instruction, demerson3@coastline.edu 
• Program Counselors
  • Claudia Mojica, Umoja Program Counselor, cmojica1@coastline.edu
• Advisory Board
  • Erin Johnson, Arts and Science Faculty, ejohnson@coastline.edu
  • Rene Guiterrez, Project Director AANAPISI, rgutierrez80@coastline.edu
  • Dr. Marilyn Brock, English Faculty, mvbrock@coastline.edu
  • Stephanie Bridges, English Faculty, ;sbridges@coastline.edu
  • Michael Scott, Director of Adult Education, mscott60@coastline.edu
  • Sasha Montero, Sociology Faculty, smontero@coastline.edu
  • Sara Estrada, Outreach Specialist, sestrada22@coastline.edu
  • Leighia Fleming, Director of Student Equity and Title IX, lfleming5@coastline.edu
  • Dr. Dana Emerson, Dean of Instruction, demerson3@coastline.edu

Spring Porch Talks

Spring Porch Talks

Spring Porch Talks

Porch Talks are happening bi-weekly during the Spring 2022 semester. This is a safe space for Umoja students to build a sense of connectedness with others and learn to advocate for themselves while discussing important topics in the Black community. Check out the UMOJA Porch Talks event page for details.

New Students to Coastline

Did you know our Coast Community partnership is the first Umoja Community for an entire college district in all of California? Be a part of this! Learn more on how to become a student at Coastline

• Apply to Coastline

  To be part of the Umoja Community at Coastline College as a student, you must be enrolled. Apply for admission to Coastline College.

• Financial Aid

  Financial Aid: If you are a new or returning student, start a new Federal Student Aid application if you have not already done so.

  Learn more about Coastline's cost & aid.

• Online Orientation

  Orientation: Complete Coastline’s Online Orientation. The online student orientation is the easiest way to familiarize yourself with all of the resources available to you at Coastline, including Umoja. All new students are required to participate, and returning students are more than welcome to complete it again.

  Learn more about online orientation.

• Education Plan

  Education Plan: We recommend for you to schedule a meeting with a counselor to create an Education Plan. If you have not already done so, schedule a counseling appointment and complete your Student Education Plan (SEP).

  Learn more about Coastline's counseling.

Scholarships

Coastline's Umoja Program has gathered external scholarship opportunities for their students. However, Coastline is not responsible for the application or awards process for these external scholarships. Please phone or write to each organization directly for details.

• Scholarship Opportunities

  Avoid scholarship scams by visiting the U.S Department of Education Student Aid page for information on how to protect yourself from scholarship and financial aid scams and/or identity theft.

  ABA Diversity Scholarship

  Award Amount: Varies

  Application Deadline: Varies

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/aba-diversity-scholarship

  The ABA Diversity Scholarship focuses on broadening the number of traditionally underrepresented groups in the management and operation ranks of the transportation, travel, and tourism industry. Eligible candidates must have completed, at a minimum, their first year of college at an accredited university; must have a declared major or course of study relevant to the transportation, travel, and tourism industry; and must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay discussing the role they hope to play in advancing the future of the transportation, motorcoach, travel, and tourism/hospitality industry. For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  AFSCME Union Scholars Program Summer Internship

  Award Amount: Varies

  Application Deadline: Varies

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/afscme-union-scholars-program-summer-internship

  The Union Scholars Program is a 10-week summer internship for students of color who are passionate about social justice, with an emphasis on workers' rights. Students will take part in a hands-on organizing experience with AFSCME members and will enjoy an opportunity to travel and receive valuable, resume-building experience - all while getting paid. Applicants must be an undergraduate sophomore or junior at the time of the application and the interview process; have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be a college student of color and demonstrate an interest in working for social and economic justice through the labor union movement. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  SOULE Foundation Scholarship

  Award Amount: $2,500

  Application Deadline: April 8, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/soule-foundation-scholarship

  The 2020 SOULE Scholarship (Provided by the SOULE Foundation) was created to provide financial support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) youth of color who are pursuing a college degree. This scholarship program set to support the next generation of leaders who have already been working tirelessly on numerous programs, projects, and activities aimed at making schools and communities safe and welcoming for all. Through this scholarship, LGBTQ youth can apply for funds to pay for educationally related expenses to pursue a degree from an accredited college or university. This year, SOULE is awarding up to three scholarships for $2,500 each. For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  Milliman Opportunity Scholarship

  Award Amount: Not Disclosed

  Application Deadline: April 12, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/milliman-opportunity-scholarship

  Milliman has established a scholarship program to assist college and university students from qualifying ethnic groups and races who have historically been under-represented in the fields of actuarial science, data science, computer science, programming, economics, mathematics, statistics, data analytics, and finance in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia. For US applicants to be eligible, they must identify as a racial minority. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  Brown and Caldwell Minority School

  Award Amount: $5,000

  Application Deadline: April 15, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/brown-and-caldwell-minority-scholarshiparship

  Brown and Caldwell offers a $5,000 Minority Scholarship to support students who identify as minorities and are interested in pursuing a career in the environmental profession. Applicants must be a United States citizen or permanent resident, full-time student enrolled in his/her Junior, Senior year or graduate program at an accredited college/university, declared major in civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical or environmental engineering or one of the environmental sciences (e.g. geology, hydro-geology, ecology), have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on a 5.0 scale), and identify as a member of a minority group (e.g. African American, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific American or Alaska Native). All candidates must submit with a completed application: a resume, essay of 250 words minimum, two written recommendations, with at least one from a university official (e.g. adviser, professor), and an official transcript of your academic record. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  United Health Foundation Louis Stokes Scholarship

  Award Amount: $10,000

  Application Deadline: April 30, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/united-health-foundation-louis-stokes-scholarship

  The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Louis Stokes Health Scholars Program, sponsored by the United Health Foundation, seeks to increase the number of qualified, competitive African-American or Black students entering the health field. Qualified applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a health-related field, and be a U.S. citizen or have permanent U.S. residency, and desire a qualifying primary health care profession. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  Bill H. James Foundation for Aspiring African American Engineers

  Award Amount: Varies

  Application Deadline: May 14, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/bill-h-james-foundation-for-aspiring-african-american-engineers

  The Bill H. James Foundation is a scholarship Fund For Aspiring African American Engineers. This award provides African American engineering students a chance to reach their potential through our scholarship programs. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and must be African American/Black. Undergraduate students must be entering their junior or senior year of study during the academic year the scholarship is awarded, and be attending a California college or university. For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

  The Desire To Inspire Scholarship

  Award Amount: $1,000

  Application Deadline: June 7, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/the-desire-to-inspire-scholarship

  The Desire To Inspire Scholarship is a one-time financial award of $1500 (1st place – $1000, 2nd place – $500) that is dedicated to recognizing young individuals from historically underrepresented minority groups who are interested in a career in healthcare and are making a determined effort to inspire others in some way, shape or form. The award can be used for educational purposes and/or for the purpose of pushing their missions of inspiration forward.

  NMF General Scholarships

  Award Amount: $10,000

  Application Deadline: September 25, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/nmf-general-scholarships

  Since inception, National Medical Fellowships’ scholarships and awards have been at the core of its programming. NMF scholarship programs recognize merit as well as financial need. Over the years, funding for scholarships has come from hundreds of foundations and from individuals. NMF actively seeks and welcomes partnerships to build the scholarship program. To meet general eligibility criteria, applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold DACA status (permanent residents excluded), be currently enrolled in an accredited, graduate-level U.S. healthcare program, be an underrepresented minority student, demonstrate leadership ability and a commitment to serving medically underserved communities. Individual scholarship criteria varies. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  Girls Who Illustrate Awesomeness Scholarship

  Award Amount: $750.00

  Application Deadline: December 1, 2021

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/girls-who-illustrate-awesomeness-scholarship

  The Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship is an opportunity for young women or gender no-confirming individuals of color who are actively working to change the world. Applicants must be young women of color who are currently enrolled in college/university or will begin college/university in the spring semester and have a minimum of 3.0 GPA. For the essay, you may write up to 500 words or create an up to 5-minute video. Essay question: "Who are you, and how are you going to change the world?" For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister to Sister" Scholarship

  Award Amount: $500.00

  Application Deadline: March 1, 2022

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/dr-wynetta-a-frazier-sister-to-sister-scholarship

  The Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister-to-Sister" Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to mature African American women in their pursuit of post-secondary education. An applicant must be a returning student, whose education was interrupted by family responsibilities or other personal demands and is now ready to complete college, or one who is entering college for the first time because of these factors. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, and meet one of the above-mentioned criteria. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  ACS Scholars Program

  Award Amount: $5,000

  Application Deadline: March 1, 2022

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/acs-scholars-program

  ACS awards renewable scholarships to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields. African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander (excluding Asian) or American Indian high school seniors or college freshman, sophomores, or juniors pursuing a college degree in the chemical sciences or chemical technology are eligible to apply. Eligibility: be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident; demonstrate high academic achievement in chemistry or science (Grade Point Average 3.0, "B" or better); and, demonstrate financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) and the Student Aid Report (SAR) form. Please note that students intending to enter Pre-Med programs or pursuing a degree in Pharmacy are not eligible for this scholarship. Recipients are notified by May 15. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

  Award Amount: $5,000

  Application Deadline: March 1 2022

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/aicpa-scholarship-for-minority-accounting-students

  The AICPA Minority Scholarship awards outstanding minority students to encourage their selection of accounting as a major and their ultimate entry into the profession. Applicants must be full-time minority students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting or an accounting-related major. Applicants must have a GPA of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), demonstrate some financial need and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  Completing the Dream Gap Scholarship

  Award Amount: $2,500

  Application Deadline: May 8, 2022

  Apply: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/completing-the-dream-gap-scholarship

  The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and The Sallie Mae Fund are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending an accredited post-secondary institution or continuous education program. Two hundred and sixty (260) students completing a two-year, four-year, or trade/vocational certificate/certification program will be selected to receive a gap scholarship up to $2,500 for the upcoming academic school year. Selected students must be in good academic standing, but at risk of not returning to or graduating/ completing due to an outstanding financial need, and/or emergency situation that leads to a financial aid crisis. Applicants must be in their final year of studies, have an unpaid school balance up to $2,500, have a minimum 2.75 GPA, be Pell-Grant eligible, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be a diverse candidate or from an underserved community. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

• Related Pages & Resources
  • Intercultural Resource Center
  • Student Equity
  • EOPS

Becoming a Black Community Ally

Created by Dr. Schvalla Rivera (2018), contributing editors from Center for Diversity & Inclusion.

• Be intolerant of intolerance.
• Confront your racism and don't be fragile/fall back on guilt.
• Be proactive about inclusion in your daily life.
• Do the work to be inclusive.

Actions:

• Temper the knee-jerk reaction to be offended and do a little research, educate yourself.
• Actively participate in diversifying media (and your own media intake) to include black voices.
• Teach our children about race.
• Make black friends, make an effort to diversify your social spheres.
• Stop making an anecdotal self-experience (I've been there too...) discount what we're learning about a black person's story/experience.
• Start and encourage dialogues across difference.
• Use your privilege (and your physical and monetary resources) to support Black people, issues, businesses, and projects.