Overview
Welcome To Umoja-AFFIRM at Evergreen Valley College
Umoja-AFFIRM is an academic program designed to increase African American students' retention, matriculation, and transfer. However, we are more than just an academic program. Umoja-AFFIRM is a community that provides nurturing services; although specifically designed for African American students, we serve students of all ethnicities. We are here to support you on your academic journey!
Umoja, meaning "unity" in Kiswahili, is a community dedicated to enhancing cultural and educational experiences for African Americans and other students. AFFIRM stands for Academic Force For Inspiration Retention & Matriculation. Umoja recognizes students' voices and histories, providing a platform for self-efficacy and inspiring academic success. We actively promote student success through responsive teaching methods.
Please complete the Umoja-AFFIRM application.
Application
Services
Our dedicated counselor is at your service, ready to assist you with:
- Developing a personalized educational plan tailored to your unique needs and goals, whether this involves earning a degree or certificate or preparing for transfer to a university
- Accessing campus resources, including tutoring and other forms of academic support
- Exploring potential career pathways
- And a comprehensive range of other services, such as Mental Health Counseling with our Program’s Health and Wellness Connection, McTate Stroman II.
Counseling Hours
Please call us at (408) 274-7900 ext. 6853 or email us at Umoja.Affirm@evc.edu to contact our office and schedule an appointment with our counselor.
Thank you.
Financial Aid
Umoja-AFFIRM offers students a range of financial assistance options to help them cover their educational expenses. These options include grants, book vouchers, and additional resources to alleviate the financial barriers to pursuing an education.
Transfer Pathways
Umoja-AFFIRM ensures our scholars with our dedication to assist in their successful transfer from Evergreen Valley College to a destination of their choice through our Transfer Pathways. These pathways include:
- HBCU Tours
- CSU/UC Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
- And more!
Scholarships/Internships
Umoja-AFFIRM provides funds in various forms. Whether through employment, grants, or awards, we are dedicated to offering support to help you thrive.
Events
Our annual HBCU Tour is an opportunity for students to jump-start their Transfer Guarantee pathway and explore some of the most prestigious HBCUs in the United States with ZERO-COST air and hotel fares.
From October 15th to October 20th, 2024, we will be traveling with our sister college, SJCC’s Umoja program, visiting five outstanding HBCUs in the Southern states:
- Clark Atlanta University,
- Spelman College,
- Tuskegee University,
- Alabama University, and
- Albany State University.
Our tour also features a trip to the Legacy Museum!
Black Graduation
Our annual Black Graduation: Black Excellence Ceremony is a memorable event held at the Adobe headquarters in Downtown San Jose.
The class of 2024 Umoja-AFFIRM graduates were honored for their academic achievements at Evergreen Valley College and transferred to numerous universities, such as Howard University and San Jose State University!
The ceremony includes inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and a formal recognition of each graduate's accomplishments.
Summer Bridge Program
Our annual Summer Bridge Program provides local high school students a head start on their college journey!
We visited 6 High Schools across San Jose during our Summer Bridge Tour Run, recruiting students to EVC:
- Mount Pleasant,
- Oak Grove, Gunderson,
- University Preparatory Academy, Santa Teresa, and
- Silver Creek.
Our program allows them to earn transferable college credits by taking classes during EVC’s summer semester that can also fulfill their high school’s course requirements through dual enrollment.
Our summer scholars gain access to our program’s resources, services, and network opportunities, ensuring students that they’ll finish our 6-week program with valuable skills, experiences, and connections for their future endeavors.
