Umoja Community

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:

  1. If you'd like to apply to join Umoja ASTEP, complete the Umoja ASTEP application form.
  2. After Dr. Parks receives your application, she will contact you or feel free to email her at pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu

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

 

Visit www.umojacommunity.org

Find out about the program and what is offered including required courses with an African American theme. Meet other Umoja students, learn strategies for a successful year, and get any help with your class schedule .


Schedule of Courses Offered

Spring 2025

  • English 1a Expository Composition

  • Comm 5 Debate and Argumentation

Summer 2025


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.

Umoja ASTEP Team

Dr. Paula Parks standing in front of Umoja promotion banners

Dr. Paula L. Parks
Umoja Community ASTEP Coordinator

pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Umoja Counselors

Dr. Jonathan Schultz (L) and Mr. Steve Agard (R)

Umoja Counselors

Mychael Phillips Umoja Communications Professor

Mychael Phillips
Umoja Communication Professor

Umoja Team

  • Gilbert Ayuk
  • Faith Bradham
  • Keith Wolaridge
  • Penelope Young

Umoja ASTEP Photos

2019-2020 Year in Review

Umoja Community Club African-American Success Through Excellence & Persistence, logo.