by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

Many people go to universities for the “college experience” when programs such as UMOJA can provide just as rich experiences along with opening up new doors and connections to cultures and opportunities. UMOJA, like any other student support system, aims to assist the students who join its program. Where UMOJA stands out though is in the experiences they give to their scholars who join and how deeply connected they are to the African Diaspora community.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

“Salaam” or “peace be upon you” is a common greeting in many Islamic countries. Here at College of Alameda, it means just that and a supportive community waiting for you! SALAAM is a learning community aimed at helping students from Middle Eastern, Southwest Asian, and North African cultures. SALAAM offers similar assistance to EOPS, but that is because SALAAM and many other support student systems are part of EOPS. If students are already part of EOPS, they are more than welcome—and are encouraged—to join SALAAM.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is one of the many services that College of Alameda has to offer. In fact, EOPS is a very academic institution in California. Originally part of the infamous Civil Rights Movement, it was signed in Senate Bill 84 and has helped millions of California residents get the education they deserve despite the disadvantages they face.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

At College of Alameda, every Tuesday, students line up with their IDs in hand to receive bags of food and lunches, all for free! Tasty Tuesday is part of our Basic Needs services and goes on from 11:30am to 1:30pm. They’re located at the F-Buildings either outside or inside and provide you with your very own tote bag to help carry all the produce they have to offer.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application that can help you get the financial aid that you need in order to pursue your educational and career goals! Your FAFSA application helps your college determine if you're eligible for work-study programs, if you qualify for certain loans, and—most notably—how much grant money you need based on the information you submit. Grants, whether state or federal, do not need to be paid back; it’s free money!

Whether you are first generation or your parents went to your college, whether you are local or from abroad, there’s one thing all college students have in common: feeling scared and confused the first week of school. I am a first-generation college student. My whole life I was pressured by my community to go to a UC but I fell short on financial help and turned to community college instead. The application was easy, College of Alameda has a beautiful campus, diverse programs caught my eye, and I quickly enrolled.