Black and African American Student Success
Discover all the ways you can meet your college and career goals
Black and African American Students Can Succeed at California Community Colleges
California Community Colleges offers many on-campus resources and support services to help you reach your academic goals. Learn more about our programs and services, including financial aid and scholarships, transfer opportunities, state and federal assistance programs, and career education support.
Don’t miss this podcast!
The EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast shares stories and inspiration from California community college students, alumni, and administrators. Tune in to hear from students who refused to let the challenges in their life or the myths they heard, keep them from becoming leaders and difference makers. You’ll hear inspiring stories of hope and get connected to the resources you need to make your dreams a reality.
Check back often for more student stories and college myth-busting tips.
In this episode you will discover:
Introduction to the EDUCATE.ELEVATE. podcast. - Opening Remarks
Join us as California's Chief Service Officer discusses the College Corps program—its mission, financial aid benefits, eligibility, community impact, and how it’s growing across the state. Learn how many California community colleges are participating and what the future holds for this exciting initiative.
– Josh Fryday, California Chief Service OfficerDiscover the inspiring journey of a first-generation college student who overcame imposter syndrome and homelessness through education. Hear how she discovered College Corps for its financial aid benefits and quickly realized its profound impact on the community. Learn how the program shaped her worldview, influenced her academic focus, and continues to create meaningful change in her life and others’.
- Skyy Sorrell, California Community College Student from Compton CollegeMusical Performance, “Survive” – Jesse Williams
Season 2 Episode 06 Teaser. - Closing remarks
Did you happen to miss an episode? Catch up by visiting our YouTube page!
Dual Enrollment
Get a head start, save money and time toward achieving your college goals. Dual enrollment is your opportunity to enroll in community college classes and earn college credit that may count toward your high school diploma. Some dual enrollment college courses can also count toward your high school diploma.
College Close to Home
Find success right around the corner.
We understand students can face numerous challenges, like financial insecurity, access to resources, racial discrimination, and underrepresentation. Whether we’re working with community leaders and organizations or speaking directly to students, we’re committed to helping Black and African American students improve the future for themselves, their families, and their communities. It’s all part of our goal to help all students reach their educational goals and succeed in life.
Find your local college to learn what opportunities are right around the corner.
Apply for financial aid
There's financial aid available to help cover college costs like tuition, textbooks, supplies—and sometimes even rent.
To get started, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). You can apply for financial aid year-round. No matter your financial situation, it's always free to apply, opening the door to most types of financial aid.
Use our locator tool to get contact information for your local college financial aid office to learn more. Here are just a few financial aid options:
The Gates Scholarship
Scholarship
This highly selective, last-dollar scholarship is available for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Scholarship
Applicants for this scholarship must be low-income Black or African American high school seniors. This selective program looks for students who demonstrate an interest in public service, entrepreneurship, and community involvement.
AMS Minority Scholarships
Scholarship
The American Meteorological Society awards this scholarship to minority students. Applicants must be starting their first year of college and intend to pursue a career in atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.
American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Scholarship
Scholarship
AABE awards 13 annual scholarships to underrepresented minority high school seniors, including African Americans. Students must pursue a major in business, technology, engineering, mathematics, or one of the physical sciences.
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses Education Scholarship
Scholarship
Eligible applicants include Black and African American students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. High school seniors may also apply. Applicants must live or go to school in a CBC Members district.
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship Program
Scholarship
The NBNA offers numerous scholarships for Black and African American students pursuing a career in nursing. Students must be NBNA members currently enrolled in a nursing program.
KnowBe4 Scholarship for Black Americans in Cybersecurity
Scholarship
Administered by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, the KnowBe4 scholarship is open to Black and African American students. Applicants must be pursuing a degree focused on cybersecurity or information assurance.
ACS Scholars Program
Scholarship
Open to applicants intending to major or are already majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND planning to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well.
Associate Degree for Transfer
We’ve partnered with the CSU system, fully online and out-of-state universities and independent colleges and universities in California to guarantee saved spots for Black and African American transfer students looking to move on and earn their bachelor’s degree. Don’t miss out on this guaranteed transfer opportunity.
Guarantee Transfer to Historically Black Colleges and Universities
We’re proud to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to offer guaranteed transfer to students who receive at least a 2.0 GPA and 30 transferable units. 37 HBCUs currently participate in our program, with more to come.
Career Education
Undecided on your major? Thinking of exploring your culinary skills? Always dreamed of creating your own business? With over 200 hands-on career training programs, you’re sure to find something that works for you. The road to your future starts with enrolling in a career education program at a California community college.
On-Campus Organizations
You’ll find many Black-led and created student organizations and clubs on our campuses. Every campus has different groups, though, so check with your local college
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UmojaUmoja is a critical educational and community resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American students. Umoja actively serves and promotes academic student success, personal growth, and self-actualization for students through its academic programs and services and champions equity through its annual comprehensive faculty development and training which supports a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African Americans.
You can find a listing of community colleges that have an Umoja chapter. If your college does not have an Umoja chapter, you can still get involved. Reach out to a regional coordinator to learn more. -
A²MENDA²MEND provides an affirming environment where African American students are able to thrive, especially male students and other men of color. A²MEND charters at California community college campuses provide educational, cultural, social and intellectual programs that promote positivity and brotherhood among its members.
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The Nandi OrganizationThe Nandi Organization is a non-profit organization on a mission to serve, support, and empower Black women in the community college system. Through professional development programs, mentorship, scholarship, research and advocacy, Nandi provides our expertise to California Community Colleges to help ensure the success of Black women professionals and students.
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Black Student UnionUse our locator tool to find if your local campus has a Black Student Union.
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Pipelines 2 PossibilitiesThe Pipelines to Possibilities Program (P2P) offers a HBCU graduate internship program designed to develop an intentional faculty pipeline within the California Community College Districts. Through proactive recruitment, hiring, and retention of diverse tenured faculty, P2P aims to diminish equity gaps and meet the needs of diverse student populations to improve student success.
Campus Contacts
Connect with community and campus resources
Want to connect with your campus community organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of Black and African American students? Would you like to find program coordinators that can help further your success? Check out our campus contacts and make meaningful connections today!
Find important contacts available to you from Cerritos College.
A²MEND
Contact information pending.
UMOJA
The Cerritos College Umoja Student Success Program is committed to enriching, fostering, and nurturing the educational experience of all students, especially African American and first-generation college students, ultimately preparing them for academic, personal, and professional success beyond Cerritos College.
To learn more, contact:
Damon Cagnolatti, English Instructor
Email: dcagnolatti@cerritos.edu
Dr. Chelena Fisher, Counselor
Email: cfisher@cerritos.edu
Dr. Clara Ross-Jones, Counselor
Email: ctross@cerritos.edu
Rev. Dr. Shelia Hill, Counselor/Director
Email: shill@cerritos.edu
Sara R. Chavez, Umoja Success Coach
Email: umoja@cerritos.edu
Umoja Office Contact Information:
Tel: (562) 281-4131
Email: umoja@cerritos.edu
Follow on Instagram: @umoja.cerritos
Find important contacts available to you from Los Angeles City College.
A²MEND
Contact information pending.
UMOJA
Umoja (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a learning community dedicated to the academic success, personal growth, and self-actualization of African American and other students. To learn more, contact:
Andrea Eke, Umoja Coordinator
Email: ekea@lacitycollege.edu
Dr. Blaine Simmons, Umoja Counselor
Email: simmonbk@lacitycollege.edu
You can also visit the Los Angeles City College Umoja Community website for more information.
Find important contacts available to you from Los Angeles Southwest College.
A²MEND
Contact information pending.
UMOJA
Yvette Tucker, Counselor
Email: tuckery@lasc.edu
Los Angeles Southwest College Umoja Learning Community is open to all students and is specifically designed for the success of African-ancestry students. This program is diversity-focused with a cross-cultural philosophy.
Visit Los Angeles Southwest College Umoja Community website to learn more.
Find important contacts available to you from Mt. San Antonio College and learn more about their Center for Black Culture and Student Success.
Tel: (909) 274-6396
A²MEND
Contact information pending.
UMOJA ASPIRE
Aspire is a dynamic program designed to provide essential educational support and services to increase the academic success, retention, degree completion, and transfer rates of African American and other students enrolled at Mt. San Antonio College.
Traci R. Ebue, UMOJA ASPIRE Program Counselor
Email: tebue@mtsac.edu
Website: Umoja Aspire
Email: aspire@mtsac.edu
Tel: (909) 274-6396
Black Student Success Coordinators
Clarence Banks, MPA, Director | Center For Black Culture & Student Success
Email: cbanks@mtsac.edu
Tel: (909) 274 - 5661
Mercedes Cunningham, Coordinator | Center For Black Culture & Student Success
Email: mcunningham6@mtsac.edu
Tel: (909) 274 - 5861
Food and Housing
Food and/or housing insecurity are real concerns for many of our students. Students can find information on basic needs support services – such as food pantries, housing and transportation – at their local community college. There are also student support programs, like CalFresh, that help students buy food and eat healthier by giving them extra cash for groceries. We want our students to get the support they need to remain focused on their education and success.
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On-Campus HousingSome California community colleges offer on-campus housing options. Take the next step to find if on-campus housing is available near you.
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Free Money for GroceriesMany California community college students are eligible for CalFresh, a program that helps them buy food and eat healthier. CalFresh benefits are not income and don’t impact your taxes or financial aid. Find out if you qualify today.
Undocumented Student Resources
California Community Colleges knows “undocumented” applies to students from all backgrounds, including Black students not born in the U.S. We understand the challenges undocumented students face and are here to help with a variety of resources.
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California Department of Social Services/DACA SupportCalifornia Department of Social Services funds programs and provides community education that helps immigrants living in California, including DACA students.
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Immigration Legal Resource CenterImmigration Legal Resource Center works with immigrants, community organizations and the legal sector to help build a society that values diversity and rights.
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Supporting Undocumented StudentsCalifornia community colleges offer numerous services to undocumented students including students with a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) work permit and those without one
Foster Youth Services
Sometimes the hardest part about getting your college education is steering your way around all the bumps in the road. That’s where NextUp comes in.
The NextUp program offers eligible current and former foster youth with support and resources that make a difference. This could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food, childcare, emergency housing, and more.
Use our College Locator to find contact information and connect directly with the NextUp program at your local community college campus.
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NextUp - For Foster Youth Student SuccessThis program helps eligible current and former foster youth achieve their goals at a California community college. Visit the NextUp area of our website to learn more and find out what support is available.
