Daraja Program

History

The Daraja project was founded in 1988 at Chabot College. Dr. Ruth Self, then Dean of Student Services, Guadalupe Ortiz, Assistant Dean of Student Services, and Dr. Carolyn Greene, Counselor/Coordinator, collaborated to design, fund, and implement a transfer program open to all students interested in African-American literature and culture, with special focus on increasing the retention and transfer rate of "underrepresented" African-American students.

Dr. Carolyn Greene	Dr. Ruth Self	Guadalupe Ortiz

From Fall of 1987 through Spring of 1988, prior to development of the Daraja Project Model, the Counselor/Coordinator:

Researched the design and operation of other established and successful programs to improve retention and transfer of under-represented students.

• Reviewed the literature on the needs of African-American students.
• Reviewed the mainstream curriculum at Chabot in term of its effectiveness for African-American students.
• Studied the transfer patterns of African-American students at Chabot in terms of its effectiveness on African-American students.
• Surveyed African-American students at Chabot concerning their needs and goals.
• Compiled information on African-American literature, psychology, and culture.

From all of the above investigation, the Daraja Project Model was designed. The curriculum, operation, and procedures were standardized and the program has been in operation since 1988.

Since implementation, the vast majority the vast majority of the program graduates have completed baccalaureate degrees in various fields from numerous colleges and universities, both inside and outside of California.

The Daraja Project has been recognized as one of the best opportunities for success for underrepresented students, particularly African-American students, in the California community-college system. It has received recognition from the American Association of Community Colleges, an award from the Black Association of California Community Colleges (BLACCC) in conjunction with 100 Black Men of America as an "Outstanding Regional Program", and a grant from the Sandia/Martin Marietta Corporation.