Umoja Community ASTEP

What is Umoja African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence (Umoja ASTEP)?

Umoja (A Kiswahili word meaning unity) African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence (ASTEP) is a program that integrates academics, support services and African-American culture. We seek to educate the whole student — body, mind and spirit — through an ethic of love. African and African-American histories and voices are deliberately and intentionally acknowledged and are woven into the learning experience, and this integration is seen as empowering to students and as foundational for their academic and personal success. Students are full participants in their learning and growth. Umoja ASTEP aims to develop students into leaders and role models in their college and larger community.

To Join Umoja ASTEP:

If you'd like to apply to join Umoja ASTEP, complete the Umoja ASTEP application form.
After Dr. Parks receives your application, she will contact you or feel free to email her at pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu
To learn more about Umoja and register for classes, attend an Umoja Day. We have in person and online dates in May, June, July, and Aug. Register for Umoja Day

For more background on the program, download the Umoja ASTEP Informational Brochure or email Dr. Paula L. Parks: pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Umoja ASTEP is a member of the state-wide Umoja (Unity) Community Educational Foundation

Schedule of Courses Offered

Summer 2026

English B3 in conjunction with a study abroad opportunity to Ghana. The class is online early June to early August. English B3 will focus on Ghanan literature.
- The trip to Ghana is July 17-July 31. It is a pilgrimage to the Motherland. Some of the highlights include the following: we will spend time in Accra, learning about the artistic culture and the W.E.B. DuBois Center; in Kumasi, learning about the Ashanti people and textiles; in Elmina, visiting the slave dungeon and honoring our ancestors; and in Ahwerase, interacting with Elders and participating in a naming ceremony. You will return with a deeper understanding of your culture and purpose.
English 99NC - Intro to Umoja and college success strategies. The book and class are free. We meet in person Aug. 10, 12, 18, and 20. The rest is online. It's the perfect way to build community and ease into college life.

Fall 2026

English C1000E taught by Dr. Parks MW 11:10-1:35 CRN 73554. Required to graduate.
Comm C1000 taught by Professor Phillips TR 9:35-11:00 CRN 70907.
Library 1 taught by Ms. Faith Thursday 11:10-12:35 CRN 73036. Research strategies to help you in any class, especially Comm C1000.

Benefits

Courses with a focus on African-American culture
Group study sessions
Simplified class schedules
Academic and cultural trips
Historically Black College and University tours
Book loans
Academic excellence celebrations
College visits
Support: The Umoja ASTEP counselor makes sure every student has an educational plan and stays on track to graduate and transfer.
Mentorship: Students, who request, are matched with a community or BC faculty/staff/administration mentor in their field of study.