What is Nishati?

Nishati is the Swahili word for strength.

The Nishati Student Success Program is a retention program designed to target primarily African American students and help them achieve their educational goals through counseling (academic, career, and personal) and academic intervention (testing for learning challenges, progress reports and transcript evaluations).

In the first semester, new Nishati students will all enroll into a college success class that covers topics such as campus resources, learning styles, note-taking, and educational planning.

Our Goal

To meet the needs of our diverse college community and ensure success by offering comprehensive retention services.

Program Services

• Counseling (Academic, Career, & Personal)
• Peer Mentoring
• Trips to universities
• Cultural Events
• Leadership Opportunities
• Career Development

Why Join Nishati?

• Increase your chances of academic success
• Form lifelong friendships and study groups
• Become familiar with campus resources by working with peer mentors
• Develop leadership skills
• Get help finding and applying for scholarships
• University tours

Eligibility

Students must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• First generation to college (parents do not have a bachelor’s degree)
• Low income (eligible for financial aid and/or unemployed)
• Educationally disadvantaged (placement into Basic Skills level English, reading, or math)
• Academic probation status (either at Ohlone College or the last school attended)

To encourage full inclusion in our program, accommodations can be made available upon request by contacting Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) at (510) 659-6079.

Download the Nishati flyer (PDF).

How to Get Started

1. Complete an Ohlone application for admission
2. Take the placement tests
3. Schedule an appointment to see a Nishati advisor at (510) 659-6125
4. Attend Orientation
5. Register for Nishati classes using WebAdvisor

See also detailed information for How to Enroll at Ohlone College.

Contact Information

Yvonka Headley
(510) 659-6125
yheadley@ohlone.edu

Ohlone College is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. The College does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.

The Board of Governors for the California Community Colleges officially recognized the Nishati Community as a statewide student success program in January 2008.