Umoja Community Program Takes 10 Students on Impactful Field Trip
The Umoja Community Program at Fullerton College recently took 10 students on a field trip to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) and University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Designed for students to explore university campuses from an African American perspective, the trip is a testament to the robust partnership between Fullerton College and the Black Honors College at Sac State.
“The visit to the Black Honors College at Sac State served as a powerful motivator for Black students at Fullerton College by offering a tangible vision of what is possible when academic excellence is paired with cultural affirmation and leadership development,” said Umoja Student Services Coordinator, Mashonda Salsberry. “The visit inspired students to see themselves as leaders and gave students a HBCU feel without having to leave California.”
A college within the university, the Black Honors College offers Black students an enhanced co-curricular experience, specialized coursework, internships and more. It also offers students a minor in leadership coupled with their major, with focuses ranging from real estate development to leadership in health and aging. It is also the first of its kind in the nation developed by Sac State President, Dr. Luke Wood.
Fullerton College students with a 3.8 grade point average (GPA) or higher are guaranteed admission to the college, while those who have GPAs ranging from 3.2 to 3.5 are still eligible for admission.
“Our Umoja Scholars are eager to apply to the Black Honors College. I am excited to make the trip to Sac State and the Black Honors College an annual opportunity for our Umoja scholars,” said Umoja Community Program Counselor, Jewell Taylor. “I am looking forward to having many of our students from Fullerton College accepted into the Black Honors College in the next acceptance cycle and to continue to grow our partnership with the Black Honors College to ensure our scholars receive the warm hand-off they deserve.”
Out of the 10 Umoja scholars in attendance, one Hornet, Chris Quiones, recently committed to Sac State for the fall 2025 semester.
“As soon as we got there, it was amazing. The campus is beautiful. To see the Black Honors College was also really incredible,” said Quiones. “My amazing Umoja team helped me make it happen for me.”
The Umoja Community Program will continue to strongly exercise its partnership with Sac State by expanding Black Honors College tours and providing students the opportunity to tap into their culture as a driving force of success.
“The Black Honors College was a place that was catered not only towards us but towards our dreams and struggles. After this amazing trip, Sac State will be the very first California college I will be applying to,” said Umoja student, Aaliyah Skipper.
Learn more about the Umoja Community Program and its exciting offerings, benefits and more on the Umoja website.
