The Umoja Summer Bridge program is a four-week program designed to give high school students the opportunity to experience a college classroom and jumpstart their college career. While open to all students, the program is designed to address the disproportionate impact experienced by Black students in education and is grounded in Black and African American history, culture, and consciousness. Since 1991, the Umoja Summer Bridge Program has offered intensive academic preparation, personalized advising, and enriching experiences in a supportive summer environment. Participants have the opportunity to strengthen their academic skills, build a peer support network, and gain valuable insights into the demands of college life. During the four-week session, students earn UC/CSU transferable credits in rigorous courses, which are added to their official Â鶹ӰÊÓ transcript. Additionally, the program provides guidance on course selection, career planning, and meeting degree requirements, helping students set a strong foundation for their academic journey.
Theme: Freedom to Dream, Power to Lead
This year’s theme, Freedom to Dream, Power to Lead, celebrates the strength, creativity, and self-determination of students who dare to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. Rooted in the Umoja philosophy, this theme affirms that the ability to dream is an act of freedom—and the courage to lead turns those dreams into reality. Through academic engagement, cultural connection, and collective empowerment, Umoja Summer Bridge students are invited to explore what it means to dream boldly, lead authentically, and shape a future grounded in purpose and pride.
Benefits
- Attend Â鶹ӰÊÓ for free.
- All supplies and expenses for campus, field trips, and cultural activities are included, as are all meals.
- Receive a thorough assessment of your academic and personal skills for college success.
- Engage in career exploration activities to assist you in making sound career decisions.
- Get an orientation to college so you can learn early on how college works and what resources are available to you.
- Learn and develop necessary research, study, time management, goal setting, and test-taking strategies for academic success.
- Make new friends and form a support system with other Umoja Summer Bridge students to develop your leadership and build community.
Umoja Summer Bridge 2026 Schedule
The program will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the following weeks:
- Week 1: June 15–18 (Monday–Thursday)
- Week 2: June 22–26 (Monday–Friday)
- Week 3: June 29–July 2 (Monday–Thursday)
- Week 4: July 7–10 (Monday–Friday)
Holidays: June 19th and July 4th
Eligibility
To participate in the Umoja Summer Bridge Program, students must:
- be a high school student
- be able to commit to the entire 4-week period
Additional requirements to complete are:
- Complete a .
- Recent high school graduates: Complete the 2025–2026 or the (for California AB540 eligible students) for the summer 2026 semester.
- If you are attending college in fall 2026, you will also need to complete the 2026–27
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act application.
- Continuing high school students can apply for financial aid during their senior year of high school.
Apply Now
Are you ready to embrace your Freedom to Dream and your Power to Lead?
Apply for the Umoja Summer Bridge Program using the button below!
We look forward to welcoming you into the Umoja family!
Summer Bridge Brochure
Contact Us
umoja@miracosta.edu
424.262.2274
Don Love
he/him
Umoja Counselor Coordinator
Oceanside Campus
dlove@miracosta.edu
The Umoja Program is a service of the Department of Student Equity. For general inquiries about all Student Equity programs and services, please contact us at studentequity@miracosta.edu or call our main office at 760.757.2121 x6900.
