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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.


Programs - Black History Month

Black History Month

Join us in honoring our past, caring for ourselves, and nurturing our community. Month-long events include Black Queens Week, Black Writers Week Series, wellness activities, performances, and more! 

#ASPBHM

 

Programs - Black Queens Week

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

 

Programs - Black Graduation
 

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


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).

 

Funding Request for Scholars & Student Organizations

African Student Programs supports our scholars’ success by promoting opportunities for scholarship, professional development, and academic exploration. Have an idea for a program or event? Need funds to support conference travel (virtually/in-person)? Scholars can apply to receive funds from our programming budget to help offset expenses related to research, internships, conferences, and experiential/service learning opportunities. Click here to learn about and apply for grant funding. 


The Green Book

The Green Book is a collection of contact information for Black Faculty & Staff on our campus who shared that they’re here to support each of our Black scholars while here at UCR. Named after the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guidebook that many Black travelers would use to locate safe spaces while on the road during the Jim Crow Era. First published in 1936, the Green Book was the brainchild of a Harlem-based postal carrier named Victor Hugo Green. This guide saved the lives of many Black travelers during that time and we hope that our Green Book can provide safe spaces for our Black scholars to feel seen, heard, and loved while on campus.


Facility Reservation

Interested in hosting a program or event in African Student Programs? To make a reservation at the Center submit the Reservation Form and a student staff member will get back to you as soon as possible. We receive daily requests for room reservations, so please allow for a reasonable amount of time before expecting a reply. If you have any further questions and/or concerns email the student managers.


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, Black Queens Week, Black Graduation Celebration, among many more bring our community together.


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).

  • Four desktop computers
  • Podcast equipment (available for check-out)
  • Useful applications including Microsoft Office
  • 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.


Scholarships and Internships

There are lots of ways to finance your academic journey and expand your skillset along the way. We can help you find key scholarships and real-word experience opportunities that will help you reach your goals.