Umoja Community ASTEP
What is Umoja African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence (Umoja ASTEP)?
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 鈥� body, mind and spirit 鈥� 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.
To Join Umoja ASTEP:
- If you'd like to apply to join Umoja ASTEP, complete the Umoja ASTEP application form.
- After Dr. Parks receives your application, she will contact you or feel free to email her at pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu
For more background on the program, download the Umoja ASTEP Informational Brochure or email Dr. Paula L. Parks: pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Umoja ASTEP is a member of the state-wide Umoja (Unity) Community Educational Foundation
Schedule of Courses Offered
Spring 2026
-
English C1000E - Academic Reading and Writing, MW 11:10-1:35, Dr. Parks
- Comm B15 - Argumentation and Rhetoric, TR 9:35-11:00 a.m., Professor Phillips
Summer 2026
English C1000E (college-level reading and writing) and English 1B (Survey of Literature) in conjunction with a study abroad opportunity to Ghana. Both 6-week classes are online early June to mid-July. English C1000, the composition class, will focus on PanAfricanism, and the English 1b will focus on Ghanan literature.
The trip to Ghana is July 17-July 31. It is a pilgrimage to the Motherland. Some of the highlights include the following: we will spend time in Accra, learning about the artistic culture and the W.E.B. DuBois Center; in Kumasi, learning about the Ashanti people and textiles; in Elmina, visiting the slave dungeon and honoring our ancestors; and in Ahwerase, interacting with Elders and participating in a naming ceremony. You will return with a deeper understanding of your culture and purpose.
We will leave from Bakersfield's Meadows Field Airport and return to Bakersfield's Meadows Field Airport. The cost will be about $6,000 and include all food, transportation, and activities.
Benefits
- Courses with a focus on African-American culture
- Group study sessions
- Simplified class schedules
- Academic and cultural trips
- Historically Black College and University tours
- Book loans
- Academic excellence celebrations
- College visits
- Support: The Umoja ASTEP counselor makes sure every student has an educational plan and stays on track to graduate and transfer.
- Mentorship: Students, who request, are matched with a community or BC faculty/staff/administration mentor in their field of study.
Umoja ASTEP Team
Dr. Paula L. Parks
Umoja Community ASTEP Founder/Coordinator
Dr. Jonathan Schultz (L) and Mr. Steve Agard (R)
Umoja Counselors
Mychael Phillips
Umoja Communication Professor
(From left: Dr. Parks, Dr. Jonathan, Mr. Steve, Professor Phillips, and Ms. Faith)
Key Supporters
- Professor Kei Ashby
- Professor Gilbert Ayuk
- Professor Keith Wolaridge
- Professor Penelope Young
Umoja ASTEP Photos
2019-2020 Year in Review
