Highlights from the Annual Community Partner Breakfast and Launch of Mobile CoA Services

The College of Alameda (COA) Annual Community Partner Breakfast took place on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in the F Building, marking the inauguration of our Mobile COA services. Attended by approximately 30 individuals, including representatives from Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), private and charter high schools, and various community-based organizations such as Oakland Promise, the event underscored the College's commitment to community engagement and student success.

The Partner Breakfast commenced with a warm welcome from Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson and COA Vice President of Student Services Dr. Mildred Lewis. The program featured a comprehensive COA Overview Presentation, a thought-provoking Programs & Special Services Panel, and an insightful Student Panel.

The Student Panel, comprising current and former students who continue to contribute significantly to the campus community, shared their experiences and insights. Participants included Associated Students of College of Alameda (ASCOA) President Natay Myers, Antwa Rodriguez, Crystal Basanjaav, Jeremiah Poti, Junaho “Jay” Ma, and Sandra Wanjala, each embodying the spirit of student leadership and engagement.

The Programs & Services Panel showcased the involvement of key departments including Admissions & Records, Basic Needs, Financial Aid, Health Services, EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs, Student Accessibility Services (SAS), and COA’s Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) initiative.

Attendees praised the event for its informative. Mobile COA, in particular, garnered significant praise for its accessibility and convenience.

Mobile COA Is on the Road Again!

Following the success of the Partner Breakfast, COA proudly re-launched its Mobile COA services. Mobile CoA brings essential enrollment services to local high school campuses and community-based organizations. This year, Mobile CoA services include on-site application assistance, on-site financial aid assistance, and on-site counseling support.

COA Teams Up with Beyond Emancipation to Support Foster Youth

In an exciting development for the College of Alameda community, the Education Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) and Next UP have forged a partnership with Beyond Emancipation, an organization dedicated to empowering foster youth to achieve their education and career aspirations.

The need for foster youth services is critical. In Alameda County, between 300 and 400 youth leave foster care annually. With limited education, few job skills, and often facing physical and mental health concerns, Alameda County’s emancipated youth are at a significantly high risk for homelessness, substance abuse, unintended pregnancy, and incarceration.

Led by Education and Career Coaches Ixchel Mayorga and Dwana Timms, Beyond Emancipation will have a presence on the COA campus twice a month to collaborate with the Next UP and EOPS Programs. Their mission is clear: to provide tailored support and guidance to foster youth, helping them navigate the complexities of enrollment processes, FAFSA applications, scholarships, resume building, and mock interviews.

Located in Room A-105 of the A-Building, adjacent to the EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next UP, and SALAAM Programs, office hours are scheduled for the second Thursdays and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Care 2 College Conference for Foster Youth, Caregivers, and Supporters Highlights College Preparation

Alameda County Foster Youth and their supporters, including COA, gathered at the Care 2 College Conference, held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 9 am to 2:30 pm at the Cal State East Bay University Union. The event aimed to equip attendees with valuable insights into planning for college, navigating financial considerations, and fostering success in higher education.

The collaborative initiative, known as Care 2 College, brought together the California State University East Bay (CSUEB) Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP) and various regional agencies and institutions dedicated to serving foster youth. This gathering provided a platform for fostering dialogue and offering resources crucial for academic achievement beyond high school.

The event's keynote address was delivered by Hasan Davis J.D., a prominent advocate, trainer, and motivator renowned for his work in championing Positive Youth Outcomes in education, child welfare, and juvenile justice initiatives. His insights illuminated pathways toward academic success and underscored the importance of civic engagement in shaping a brighter future for foster youth.

Among the participants representing COA at the event were Jeremiah Poti, Fathia Mohamed, Louie Martirez y McFarland, and Brian Donato. Despite COA's information table being located upstairs at the venue, it garnered significant foot traffic, underscoring the community's interest in college readiness initiatives.

By facilitating meaningful conversations and providing vital resources, the Care 2 College Conference served as a vital step towards COA’s greater participation in empowering foster youth, caregivers, and supporters on their journey toward academic achievement and a brighter future.