Nesians Unite is a growing learning community to provide support for Pacific Islander students at Chabot College.

The main goal of Nesians Unite is to help Pacific Islander students achieve their educational goals, whether that’s transferring or completing a certificate. 

Although Nesians Unite is still in the process of becoming a learning community, students have access to a large network. “They have direct access to mentorship from Nesians faculty as well as those in Movement,” Andrew Lai, a Nesians Unite instructor said. “We also have a sister program at San Francisco State, which they have access to, and we’re trying to build one at Cal State East Bay.”

Additionally, students have a community within Nesians Unite at Chabot. Although they have their own student organization, students have also started clubs, like the first ever Japanese club. Andrew mentioned that “outside of getting good grades and a degree, you have a community that’s going to be here to support you when you come to school.”

Already, Nesians Unite is a place for Pacific Islander students to feel seen, valued, and connected. Andrew also added that with Nesians Unite being under Movement, everyone can connect. If Nesians Unite or Movement is having an event, students in either program are invited, fostering more support and community.

Only one class is offered, which is Ethnic Studies 6: Introduction to Pacific Islanders and Oceania Studies. However, in Spring 2025, Ethnic Studies 13: Pacific Islander Expressive Cultures, a class that focuses on cultural arts from the Pacific, will be added.

For those interested in joining the program, you can enroll in one of the offered classes to automatically be added. Additionally, you can go to office 767 E and/or F in Building 700 to speak with one of the Nesians Unite faculty.

To find more information, you can visit the Nesians Unite page on the Chabot website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/aapi/nesians-unite/index.php. 

Chaot College’s Umoja learning community offers an opportunity for Black students to achieve academic success while exploring culturally relevant topics.

Umoja offers six to eight classes per semester including English, communication studies and general studies, like Student Leadership. Tommy Reed, the program’s coordinator and counselor, explained that they ensure the classes are transferable. He said, “Whatever is happening in the Black community currently, they can have conversations and debates about it while meeting the course content requirements for transferring or graduating.” 

One class that is offered is The African American Experience, which surveys the history of the U.S. through the eyes of African Americans. This is the only class of its kind in the entire state of California.

What’s unique about Umoja is how they encourage students to not take math in their first semester. “We want students to have a balance of academic and experimental classes, allowing them to take classes they’re interested in,” Tommy mentioned. The structure allows students to discover their interests, find a suited pathway, and not be overwhelmed by the “must-dos.”

Students are encouraged to build relationships with program faculty through counseling or even being in the Umoja space in Buildling 700. They can also build relationships with Umoja students outside of Chabot through statewide conferences, college fairs, and tours of HBCUs.

With a focus on relationship-building, Tommy noted that it’s to help students find a sense of belonging, preparing them for success at other campuses.

If you are interested in joining, you can fill out the online application on the Chabot College Umoja page or set up an appointment with Tommy. To learn more about the program, visit the Umoja page: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/specialprograms/umoja/.

Chabot College’s RISE (Restorative Integrated Self-Education) program gives formerly incarcerated students who may have lost hope a chance to dream again, helping them to rebuild their lives.

The RISE program exists to support formerly justice-impacted students who want to pursue higher education and successfully reenter society. “We focus on increasing full-time enrollment, promoting academic success, and creating transfer paths, while building a strong community,” Eric Gentry, the program’s coordinator explained. “[We aim to provide] support through mentorship, workshops, and cohort models that emphasize collective growth and empowerment.”

Students have many opportunities to build networking connections beyond Chabot College. RISE often collaborates with local organizations, educational institutions, and community groups focused on supporting justice-impacted individuals. This effort allows students to connect with both professionals and peers who share similar goals.

Additionally, RISE offers courses tailored towards incarcerated students. “RISE has classes such as Entrepreneurship, English 1, and Ethnic Studies and they are aimed at providing practical knowledge and personal empowerment,” Eric said. Workshops are also held, covering topics like financial literacy and preparation for college success to teach students important skills for success.

For students interested in joining RISE, they can go to the program office, fill out the interest form on the Chabot website, or receive a referral from Chabot College staff or community partners. The main requirement for students to join is that they were formerly incarcerated or involved in the legal system in some way.

To find more information, visit the RISE page on the Chabot website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/academic-pathways-student-success/rise/.