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.
For more background on the program, download the Umoja ASTEP Informational Brochure or
Dr. Paula L. Parks
Umoja Community ASTEP Coordinator
Dr. Jonathan Schultz (L) and Mr. Steve Agard (R) Umoja Counselors
Mychael Phillips
Umoja Communication Professor
Umoja Team
The mission of the Umoja Community Club is to promote the unity of African-American students using the foundation of the Umoja Community practices while embracing African-American culture. The Umoja Community Club will provide a culturally based student organization that will work with Bakersfield College administration, faculty, and staff to enhance African American students' experiences and increase student success rates. To achieve this, the Umoja Community Club members will embrace each other with love, support, and peer mentoring within a space where students can freely be themselves and focus on academic success.