College of Alameda President's Report – April 14, 2026

Elevating Student Engagement and End-of-Year Momentum

As CoA approaches the culmination of the academic year, the college community continues to demonstrate the power of connection, engagement, and student-centered programming. Across instructional and student services areas, our campus has activated a wide range of experiences designed to support persistence, build belonging, and celebrate the holistic development of our students.

These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that students not only access higher education but thrive within it. Our report provides a deeper dive into the support programs, ensuring students finish the academic year strong with a sense of community connection.

Promise Program: Building Confidence and Transfer Identity

The Promise Program continues to play a critical role in fostering student confidence, clarity, and aspiration.

Programming includes:

• Experience Berkeley Workshop, where UC Berkeley students shared their personal transfer journeys and insights into navigating a top-tier university environment
• Promise Alumni Panel, featuring former students now attending UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine, providing real-world inspiration and guidance
• Priority Registration Workshop, supporting students in planning and enrolling for upcoming terms
• Transfer Basics Workshop, demystifying the transfer process and equipping students with essential tools and strategies

These initiatives create a continuum of support that helps students envision their future while actively preparing to achieve it.

Strengthening Transfer Pathways and Student Success

College of Alameda continues to prioritize transfer readiness through coordinated programming that equips students with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to advance to four-year institutions.

Transfer Center: “All Transfer. All Week.”

Transfer Support Week provides a comprehensive series of workshops and advising opportunities, including:

• Transfer 101 foundational sessions
• University-specific pathway presentations (UC and CSU systems)
• One-on-one advising with admissions counselors
• Drop-in support for application and planning questions

This structured, week-long approach ensures that students at every stage of the transfer journey receive targeted, actionable support.

The semester will culminate in “Way to Go Day,” a celebratory event recognizing transfer students and honoring their academic achievements and next steps.

Veterans Resource Center: Supporting Those Who Served

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) remains a vital hub of support, ensuring that student veterans and their dependents have access to the resources necessary to succeed.

Key Spring 2026 initiatives include:

• Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Webinar, providing guidance on financial benefits, career readiness, and educational support
• Enrollment Workshop, offering hands-on assistance with applications, educational planning, and VA certification
• Finals Support Station, creating a welcoming and resource-rich environment with study materials, refreshments, and a quiet space to promote academic success during finals week

Culturally Responsive Engagement: Umoja Scholars Program

The Umoja Scholars Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of culturally responsive student engagement, fostering a strong sense of identity, belonging, and academic excellence for African American and historically marginalized students.

This spring, Umoja students will participate in the Umoja Community Northern California Symposium at CSU Sacramento, engaging in a dynamic, student-centered experience that brings together scholars from across the region. The symposium emphasizes:

• Cultural affirmation and identity development
• Critical dialogue on social justice and equity
• Academic enrichment and leadership development
• Community building rooted in shared experiences

Students will engage in plenary sessions, networking opportunities, and solution-oriented discussions that connect their academic journeys to real-world issues and collective empowerment.

This experience exemplifies our commitment to providing transformational learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and reinforce the importance of community, voice, and purpose.

Holistic Student Support: CARE, CalWORKs, and Community Building

Student support programs continue to prioritize holistic development through innovative and meaningful engagement opportunities.

CARE & CalWORKs hosted a Vision Board Workshop, where students gathered to reflect on their journeys, articulate their aspirations, and build community.

The event created a powerful space for:

• Peer connection and storytelling
• Goal setting and future planning
• Emotional support and shared experiences

Closing Reflection: Community, Belonging, and Momentum

As we approach commencement, the crescendo of the academic year, it is clear that the strength of the College of Alameda lies in its people and its purpose.

The programs and activities highlighted in this report reflect more than engagement; they represent:

• A deep commitment to equity and access
• A focus on building meaningful student experiences
• A campus culture grounded in belonging, support, and aspiration

Even amidst external challenges and evolving higher education landscapes, our college remains steadfast in its mission to create pathways that empower students to Believe. Achieve. Succeed.

Together, we continue to change the narrative with one student, one experience, and one opportunity at a time.