Program Overview

Introduction to the SALAAM Program

The SALAAM Learning Program is designed to provide integrated academic, financial, and student support services to South West Asian and North African (SWANA) and Arab-American students. The program aims to support students in achieving their academic goals, including the attainment of a certificate, degree, or transfer to a university within two to three years.

SALAAM Benefits

SALAAM students receive a range of benefits, including:

• Counseling & Transfer Planning: Dedicated EOPS/CARE/SALAAM Academic Counselor
• Career Coaching: Connecting students to job opportunities
• Tutoring: Peer tutoring and mentoring
• SALAAM Workshop Series: Preparing students to succeed at CoA and beyond
• Textbook Voucher
• Program Laptop
• Campus-wide cultural events
• A SALAAM FAMILY at CoA

The SALAAM Learning Program

The SALAAM Learning Program provides a comfortable and accessible space on campus where SWANA and Arab-American students can gather, participate in academic tutoring and workshops, attend events, access academic and community resources, or meet with an Academic Counselor, instructor, or peer mentor. The program offers workshops and integrated instruction on:

• Academic Success
• Study skills
• Time management
• Professional development
• Budgeting and college financing
• Career coaching and employment assistance

SALAAM Three Integrated Joint Components

English Instruction

SALAAM students take two consecutive writing classes, English 1AS (Composition & Reading) in the Fall semester, and English 5 (Critical Thinking in Reading and Writing) in the Spring semester. These classes provide a supportive and stimulating environment for SALAAM students, with an emphasis on developing writing skills through an exploration of the Muslim/Muslim-American experience.

Counseling Support

SALAAM students work closely with their SALAAM Academic Counselor to explore career options, develop an academic educational plan, and identify their goals through the SALAAM Development courses, Counseling 24 (College Success Skills), and Counseling 57 (Career and Life Planning), as well as individual counseling sessions.

Peer Mentoring

SALAAM students are matched with an academically and professionally successful mentor from the community. Mentors share their experiences, provide guidance, and offer resources for student assignments and projects.

The SALAAM Club

The SALAAM Club is a student-led leadership group that organizes and advocates for CoA's SWANA and Arab-American student body.

Services Provided, Eligibility, and Purpose

The following table outlines the services provided, eligibility, and purpose of EOPS, CARE, CALWORKS, and NEXT UP programs: | Program | Purpose | Services Provided | Eligibility | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | EOPS | Assist students to achieve academic success | Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling, textbook vouchers, tutoring, transportation, childcare, educational supplies | California resident, eligible for CA College Promise Grant, educationally disadvantaged, enrolled in 12 credit units | | CARE | Help students achieve academic success and transition from public assistance to economic self-sufficiency | Supplemental Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling, textbook vouchers, tutoring, transportation, childcare, educational supplies | California resident, EOPS participant, single head of household, parent or child must be a current CalWORKs, TANF, or Tribal TANF cash aid recipient | | CALWORKS | Support students to transition from public assistance to economic self-sufficiency | Case management, counseling, work-study, paid apprenticeships, childcare, job development, and placement | Two-parent or single-parent households, parent(s) and child must be CalWORKs/TANF recipients, approved County Welfare to Work plan | | NEXT UP | Assist students who are current and former foster youth with support and resources | Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling, books and supplies, childcare, educational planning, emergency housing, food assistance, health services, life skills & financial skills, mental health services, transportation assistance, tutoring | Dependency as a foster youth established or continued by the court on or after 13th birthday, under 26 years old, enrolled in at least 9 units |

College Information

The College of Alameda is committed to serving the educational needs of its diverse community by providing comprehensive and flexible programs and resources that empower students to achieve their goals. The college is accredited and provides a range of services, including academic support, counseling, and resources for students with basic needs.