Umoja Project and Home Room Engagement Center
African/African-American Student Engagement Center
The Umoja Community
The UMOJA Project at RCC, deriving its name from the Kiswahili word for unity, stands
as a cornerstone for community building and essential support, dedicated to enriching
the cultural and educational journeys of students. Rooted in a deep appreciation for
African American history and culture, the project aims to provide a responsive and
inclusive environment.
Our primary goal is to facilitate meaningful experiences that pave the way for academic excellence and active participation in college life. Through fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among students, we strive to equip them with the necessary tools to fortify their connections and enhance their bonds with their respective home communities.
Guided by the ethos of "collective work and responsibility," inspired by African cultural traditions, the UMOJA Project at RCC embodies an approach to African American student engagement, retention, persistence, completion, and success that emphasizes collaboration and mutual support. The components of the project are carefully crafted to uphold these principles, ensuring that every UMOJA student receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally. The components of the UMOJA Project are:
Umoja Program
- Access to counseling services covering academic, career, financial aid, and personal achievement areas.
- Participation in Academic Learning Communities designed to enhance learning and collaboration.
- UMOJA Academic Counselor, Peer Mentees, and Faculty Mentors for guidance and support.
- Engagement opportunities through guest speakers, workshops, and culturally relevant outings.
- Open Discussion Forums provide a platform for meaningful dialog and community interaction.
Umoja Student Club "Ujima"
- Campus leadership and service
- Student Activities/ASRCC
- Club Meetings
- Kings of UMOJA
- Queens of UMOJA
- Campus and Community Service
HOME Room Student Engagement Center - (Hope, Opportunity, Mentoring, Empowerment).
The HOME Room, established in 2008 as the inaugural Student Engagement Center at RCC, is the dedicated campus hub for the UMOJA Project. Its inception was prompted by a recognized necessity for deliberate and purposeful interaction among African American students, faculty, and staff, with the overarching aim of enhancing student success within the college community. Since its inception, the HOME Room has evolved into a cornerstone of student life for African American Students at RCC, offering a multifaceted space where students can be “seen”, focus on their studies, and engage in meaningful interactions with peers, faculty, and staff alike.
Functioning as more than just a physical space, the HOME Room embodies a spirit of inclusivity and support, providing a nurturing environment conducive to building community among African American students. Within its walls, students have access to essential resources and amenities, including computer and printer facilities, charging stations, and a variety of school supplies.
Moreover, the center serves as a nexus for comprehensive support services, offering career guidance, academic counseling, tutoring sessions, and workshops tailored to address the diverse needs of African American students.
Beyond its practical offerings, the HOME Room serves as a vibrant hub for extracurricular engagement, hosting “UJIMA” club meetings and events that foster connections and enrich the college experience for African American students. Through its multifunctional design and diverse array of services, the HOME Room stands as a testament to RCC's commitment to African American student success and community-building, providing a welcoming and empowering space where African American students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Umoja Project Expectations
"We are a reflection of each other," this emphasizes the interconnectedness and shared identity of UMOJA students. This suggests that the actions and behavior of everyone not only reflect on themselves but also on the entire UMOJA community. It promotes a sense of collective responsibility and accountability. As such, UMOJA students are expected to:
- Develop a Comprehensive Student Educational Plan with your UMOJA Counselor.
- Complete one appointment with your UMOJA Educational Advisor each Fall and Spring term for academic support
- Attend one on-campus/virtual workshop/study jam each semester.
- Be a member and actively engage in The UMOJA Project/Student Club “UJIMA.”
Anyone Can Apply
The UMOJA Project at RCC serves as a focal point for exploring and celebrating the African/African American/Black experience. Despite its central theme, the project adopts an inclusive approach, extending its arms to welcome applications and active involvement from individuals of all backgrounds.
To be eligible for participation, students are asked to fulfill the following step:
- Submit Umoja Application
- Attend a mandatory program orientation.
By completing these steps, students demonstrate their readiness to immerse themselves in the exploration and celebration of the African/African American/Black experience within the inclusive framework of the UMOJA Project at RCC.
Contact Us
Hours: Monday - Thursday from 8:30 am - 5 pm | Friday from 8:30 am - Noon
Location: Bradshaw Building, Room 110 (next to the cafeteria)
Email: Umoja-RCC@rcc.edu
Phone: (951) 222-8130
Student Resources
- Access to UMOJA Educational Advisor
- Access to UMOJA Counselor
- Learning Communities (Guidance, English, African American History, African American Art History, Anthropology, Biology, Criminal Justice, Communication Studies, Business, Pathway to Law, Ethnic Studies, Nursing etc.)
- Faculty one-on-one tutoring
- Transfer assistance to four-year colleges and universities.
- Peer tutoring
- Support with attaining Associates Degree(s), vocational certificates, and professional development
- Community leadership, mentoring, and activist development opportunities
- Resources to promote students' cultural backgrounds into the academic experience.
- Advanced academic achievement through involvement in learning communities, mentoring, workshops, career, and academic guidance
- Counseling: academic, career, financial aid, personal achievement.
- Specialized, comprehensive two-year educational plans (and semester by semester counselor check-ins)
- Culturally relevant workshops, field trips, college tours, and community activities
- The UMOJA Project Student Club “UJIMA”
Your Peers, Your Community
Kings of Umoja
Queens of Umoja
We find our strength together. We find our strength within. Queens of Umoja is a place where issues that effect the mind, body, and spirit of women, of the diaspora, are discussed to foster communal understanding, uplifting and empowerment amongst one another. It is a shared place where candid truth and respectful privacy are honored.
