Center for Policy & Research on Student Success

The Center for Policy and Research on Student Success drives the knowledge, evidence, and policy innovation required to help at least 100,000 Black and other students each year achieve academic excellence and move toward self-actualization. Rooted in the African worldviews that animate Umoja, the Center conducts rigorous research across the full P–20 spectrum, translates findings into actionable policy and practice, and builds archives that protect the truth of Black student experiences across generations and across borders.

The Center strengthens institutions, illuminates inequities, and creates the tools needed to expand opportunity from local classrooms to global learning environments, including national partnerships and international programs throughout the African Diaspora. Through culturally grounded research and strategic policy guidance, CPRSS equips systems to elevate students, engage communities, and deliver transformative educational outcomes.

See Our Impact: Umoja Campus Program Dashboard

Publications

Our Research Focus

The Center's research focuses on comprehensive evaluation and analysis, examining the effectiveness of Umoja programs and initiatives. Our approach integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders.

Key areas of research include:

  • Holistic Student Development: Examining the impacts of holistic educational practices on student well-being and academic achievement, with a specific focus on engaging students’ minds, bodies, and spirits.
  • Community Building: Analyzing the role and effectiveness of communal accountability and culturally relevant practices within educational settings.
  • Diaspora Connections: Assessing initiatives aimed at expanding students' cultural awareness and their ability to contextualize their educational experiences within the African Diaspora.
  • Pedagogical Practices: Investigating the implementation and outcomes of culturally responsive curricula and pedagogical strategies.

For inquiries about our research or to discuss collaborations, contact us at info@umojacommunity.org.

External Research and Reports about UCEF's Work

Our center also curates and highlights research conducted by external partners, scholars, and organizations studying our work at UCEF. Below is a selection of notable research: