Pierce College students gathered at the Great Hall for the Umoja program’s spring kickoff on Wednesday, Feb 26, to go over the program’s requirements, expectations and benefits for new and existing members.
Umoja is a program on campus that provides resources to students to help them succeed in their education career at Pierce. This program focuses on a range of activities and skills, including celebrating African American culture and success, mentoring students and building community. The name Umoja comes from a Kiswahili word meaning “unity.”
Business major Demetreana English said that unity to her means respect.
“As long as you can respect each other and whatever their beliefs are, that brings unity,”English said.
The kickoff was to encourage new and returning members to participate in the program and hear what resources and benefits they have to offer. The program is designed to help keep students on track and help them succeed with their time at Pierce. Umoja Club President Alicia Lewis expressed that she wants more people to be aware of the Umoja program.
“I feel like lately we’ve got more coverage but a lot of people on campus don’t know our club or program exists,”Lewis said.
Lewis also elaborated on some of the things that Umoja has to offer students.
“We have textbook assistance, HBCU [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] field trips for students, just any type of support that you could need to feel like you can accomplish your journey, we provide,” Lewis said.
Some members will be attending a HBCU field trip in April to explore universities such as Xavier State University, Franklin State University and others. They will also be able to experience the culture of New Orleans.
These resources are available to all members with their participation in the program. Other things discussed at the kickoff were the expectations of all members who are joining. The program has progress checks to ensure all members are keeping up with their academics and reporting to counselors. There are also scholarship opportunities and financial aid available.
Professors from different departments also attended this meeting to show their support and offer a hand to those who may need help in specific areas, from subjects such as public speaking, English and math.
Members were treated with lunch and concluded the kickoff with a socializing game of bingo for them to get up out of their seats and interact with one another.
Business major Eric Sandoval gave his thoughts on how a program like this plays a role on campus.
“It builds community by bringing everybody together and interacting and engaging in activities together as one,” Sandoval said. “We’re all sitting here at a table and we all come from different backgrounds,” Sandoval said.
