African Student Programs

It takes an entire campus to graduate a scholar

Our Programs

You Are Supported

Throughout the academic year, African Student Programs (ASP) develops a litany of programs, initiatives, and experiences that support our scholars’ holistic development while here at UCR. Many of our programs have a focus in the following areas: academic excellence, professional development, leadership, cultural engagement, and social justice advocacy.

 

Community Development

ASP coordinates events that support our scholars’ identity development and community building. These events offer an informal time for our scholars to come together to network, learn, and engage around topics and resources important to them. Programs such as our Melanin Masterclass New Student Orientation, Black History Month programming, The 828 Summer Bridge Program, and Black Graduation Celebration, among many more, bring our community together.
2023 Staff Photo
2024 Black Grad class
ASP's P.A.T.H. student take a group photo in front of Grandma Mason's memorial in Los Angeles
A large group of students gather for a group photo outside the Student Recreation Center at UCR
2023 Black scholars
Civil Rights museum
A group of students gather for a photo opportunity in front of the ASP center at Costo Hall

Programs & Events

  • The 828 Summer Bridge Program

    Looking for a program that'll give you a head-start on your first-year at UC-Riverside?! Consider participating in our 828 Summer Bridge Program! In partnership with the Highlander Early Start Academy (HESA), we offer an in-person  residential seven-week experience during the summer where incoming Black scholars will take three courses,  participate in weekly workshops and Black-identified focused excursions, and build community. Interested? Complete the interest form here and our team will be in touch with you with the application (registration will be open June 2024).

  • Black History Month Celebration

    Join us in honoring our past, present, and future as we care for ourself and nurturing our community in month-long events! Events include: Black Queens Week, Black Writers Week Series, wellness activities, performances, and more! 

    #ASPBHM

  • Black Queens Week

    Join ASP and our campus partners for an annual week-long celebration focused on connecting, empowering, and inspiring Black womxn at UCR.

    #ASPUCRBQW
    #ASPBlackQueensWeek

  • Black Graduation

    UCR’s Black Graduation honors and recognizes the accomplishments of our Black scholars. This end-of-the-school-year opportunity allows graduating Black Highlanders to personalize this milestone in their academic careers. The event is FREE and open to all – seating is limited.

    #ASPBlackGrad

  • Black Opulence Ball

    This FREE, one-night formal event is a time of celebration as we bring the academic year to a close. Scholars in the community vote on the student organization they feel popped out the most, a scholar that positively impacted the community, and more. Join ASP during Black Opulence Ball for fun, games, and creating memories.

    #ASPBOB

  • NPHC Yard Show

    The Black Letter Greek Organizations on the campus coordinate their annual yard show to emphasize principles of uplifting the community, sharing their completed community service projects, and more. For any questions or if you'd like more information, contact Dr. Myrick  at jmyrick@ucr.edu or Ms. Aurea at aureal@ucr.edu directly. 

ASP Resources

Leadership & Development

Leadership is and will always be a pillar in the Black community here in African Student Programs. This area is focused on developing current and future leaders to serve their organizations and their communities to ensure the highest level of impact. We offer opportunities and funding that promote effective individual and organizational leadership for student orgs and the community. For information on any of these programs, resources, or services, please contact aurea.lawson@ucr.edu.

Pre-College & Prospective Scholar Outreach

During the academic year, ASP in collaboration with our student organizations hosts numerous outreach events to engage prospective and admitted students about life as a Black scholar at UCR and to share information about the many resources provided by our Center. These include programs such as Highlander Day, Unity Day, and various workshops at local community colleges and high schools. If you’re interested in hosting an outreach event with our team, please email jamal.myrick@ucr.edu.

The Dorothy Vaughan Computer Lab

Named after Dorothy Johnson Vaughan, who was an African American mathematician and computer programmer, who made important contributions to the beginning of the U.S. space program and served as the first Black manager at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which later became National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

  • 2 desktop computers (Mac & ThinkVision)
  • Podcast equipment (available for check-out)
  • Microsoft Office Applications
  • A printer
  • An Ethernet connection for fast streaming

Location and Hours

The Dorothy Vaughan Computer Lab is located inside our center in Costo Hall and is open during regular center hours.
 
Computer Use Priorities
  • Academic work
  • Student organization work

We also have a laptop check-out program! If you need assistance with this, please fill out the following form:  and one of our team members will be in touch.

Pan-African Theme Hall (PATH)

The Pan African Theme Hall (PATH) is a themed living community in residential life that centers and expands Pan-African culture and experiences. All students are welcomed to live in this community and dive deeper into Pan-African culture. Currently, PATH is located in UCR’s Pentland Hills residence hall. Living in PATH allows you to connect with fellow creative, intelligent scholars sharing similar academic and social goals, and whom you will want to know for years to come. Learn more about living in PATH.