Spotlight
About Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program
What is Cooper-Woodson College?
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the California State University, Sacramento provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.
The Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program (CWC) was founded in 1990 as an Educational Equity, Pan African Student Retention Program, through the leadership of Dr. Otis Scott, Chris Glen, and David Covin. The name is a tribute to the legendary legacies of Anna Julia Cooper and Carter G. Woodson! The founders formulated the theoretical framework of the program based on the principles of Leadership, Scholarship, and Service! This tagline continues to define the mission of the program, and its influence can be felt around the world.
It is an association of faculty, staff, students, and community members who are committed to recognizing and upholding the tradition represented in Pan African cultures that are best expressed in relationships between historically Black Colleges and students. It involves adults in the community assuming responsibility for shaping and guiding a learning environment supportive of, responsive to, and nurturing of CWC students.
Leadership, Scholarship, Service!
Each Semester Students are required to:
- Be enrolled in 12 units
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Perform 15 hours of community service
- Attend a pre-approved lecture
- Attend the Anna J. Cooper Lecture in the Fall
- Attend the Carter G. Woodson Lecture in the Spring
- Attend the Fall Kick Off Orientation
- Attend the Spring Kick Off Orientation
- Attend monthly large group meetings: "First Fridays'
- Attend 2 semesters of Ethnic 98 - Foundation I
- Scholars may earn a Pan African Studies Certificate - Foundation II
- Scholars may choose to enhance their Pan African experience by optionally completing a research course in Foundation III
YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED: "HOW CAN STUDENTS EARN A PAN AFRICAN CERTIFICATE?"
Students enrolled in the CWC are eligible for a certificate in Pan African Studies. Total units required for Certificate are 24.
Spring 2025 Calendar Events
| Date | Location &Time | Title | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 24 | In-Person |12-1:30pm | Scholar Orientation + 1st First Friday Group Meeting | |
| Feb.7 | In-Person |12-1:30pm | Carter G. Woodson Lecture | |
| March.7 | In-Person |12-1:30pm | 1st First Friday Group Meeting | |
| April. 10 | In-Person | 6-7:30pm | Mentor Scholarship Banquet | |
| April.11 | In-Person |12-1:30pm | 1st First Friday Group Meeting | |
| May.9 | In-Person |12-1:30pm | 1st First Friday Group Meeting | |
| May.12 | In-Person | 6:30pm | Pan-African Graduation Celebration | |
| Summer | Study Abroad | Return to Kemet |
Campus Services
Connect with the Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program
Find Us
Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program
Amador Hall,
Room 460
Mon. – Fri.
Contact Us
Phone: (916) 278-5363
cwmentor@csus.edu