Welcome to the LACC Umoja Community!
Umoja, (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. We believe that when the voices and histories of students are deliberately and intentionally recognized, the opportunity for self-efficacy emerges and a foundation is formed for academic success. Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.
What Are The Benefits?
- Supportive Environment
- Counseling
- Tutoring
- Cultural Workshops and Events
- Leadership Development
- Academic Workshops
- Faculty and Staff Mentoring
- Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Tours
Program Requirements
- Complete the Umoja application
- Attend Umoja orientation
- The next orientation is tentatively scheduled for February 2025. Stay tuned!
- Sign program contract
- Meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan
If you have any questions, please contact the Umoja Coordinator, Dr. Marion Bly or Dr. Blaine Simmons, Umoja Counselor.
Meet the Squad!
Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 1305
Dr. Blaine Simmons was raised in a multi-racial family in Corona, CA. He is a first-generation student who received his AA in Behavioral Sciences from Riverside Community College, BA in Sociology from CSU Northridge, MA in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola Marymount University, and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. He has worked within multiple capacities in the Umoja program at varying colleges and currently works as a Counselor for the Umoja program at LA City College. Dr. Simmons is a strong advocate for equity in education and is dedicated to using inquiry-based methods of finding solutions to closing the equity gap for Black students.
Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2263
Email: estickm@lacitycollege.edu
Email: harrisn@lacitycollege.edu
Financial Aid Assistance
Get your questions answered with our Umoja Financial Aid liaison!
Contact: Yvette Garretson
Email: @email
Resources
Scholarships
Minority Scholarships
LACC Foundation Scholarships
Read-and-Watch
External Scholarships
Events
Come back soon for spring 2025 events!