Report
Umoja At A Glance
Understanding the impact of Umoja’s culturally relevant pedagogy.
Read the full reportThe Center for Policy and Research on Student Success
The Center for Policy and Research on Student Success drives the knowledge, evidence, and policy innovation required to help at least 100,000 Black and other students each year achieve academic excellence and move toward self-actualization. Rooted in the African worldviews that animate Umoja, the Center conducts rigorous research across the full P–20 spectrum, translates findings into actionable policy and practice, and builds archives that protect the truth of Black student experiences across generations and across borders.
The Center strengthens institutions, illuminates inequities, and creates the tools needed to expand opportunity from local classrooms to global learning environments, including national partnerships and international programs throughout the African Diaspora. Through culturally grounded research and strategic policy guidance, CPRSS equips systems to elevate students, engage communities, and deliver transformative educational outcomes.
Publications
Featured reports and calls for scholarship.
Our Research Focus
Four pillars of evaluation and analysis.
The Center's research focuses on comprehensive evaluation and analysis, examining the effectiveness of Umoja programs and initiatives. Our approach integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders.
Pillar
Holistic Student Development
Impacts of whole-student practices on well-being and academic success.
Pillar
Community Building
How communal accountability and culturally grounded practice strengthen outcomes.
Pillar
Diaspora Connections
Initiatives that deepen cultural awareness and diaspora-based context for learning.
Pillar
Pedagogical Practices
Implementation and outcomes of culturally responsive curriculum and instruction.
For inquiries or collaborations: cprss@umojacommunity.org
External Research and Reports
Independent evaluations and partner studies
- 2024 Umoja Evaluation, Empowering Futures: Analyzing Outcomes for Umoja Students (California Community College Chancelors Office): Conducted by Education Insights at Sacramento State, this evaluation analyzes outcomes for Umoja students, highlighting program effectiveness and recommendations for future improvements. Read the 2024 Evaluation
- Umoja Evaluation Phases I and II (The RP Group): A two-phase statewide evaluation assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Umoja program. Read the Evaluation
- Umoja: The Power of Unity and Community (Umoja White Paper): Authored by Dr. Rose Asera, this white paper provides a comprehensive qualitative review of Umoja Community Education Foundation initiatives. Read the White Paper
- Umoja Report from the Institute for Social Research (ISR): Conducted by California State University, Sacramento, this independent evaluation examines student outcomes from participating in Umoja programs between 2011 and 2018. Read the ISR Report
- Umoja Community Evaluation (RP Group): This study assesses statewide technical assistance and training provided to Umoja program coordinators, highlighting key insights from coordinators across California. Read the RP Group Report
- State of Higher Education for Black Californians: A detailed analysis by the Campaign for College Opportunity focusing on college preparation, enrollment, and success among Black Californians, providing policy recommendations to improve educational equity. Read the State of Higher Education Report
- Black Minds Matter: Examining educational disparities facing Black youth in California from preschool through higher education, this report identifies trends and successful efforts to close achievement and opportunity gaps. Read the Black Minds Matter Report