
Palomar College is dedicated to advancing the academic achievement and wellness of its Black student community. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment that celebrates the unique journey and potential of every Black student, empowering students to thrive and excel beyond Palomar College.
Here to Support You
Need help but not sure where to start?
Need to see a Counselor?

Taneisha Hellon, Ed.D
Black Student Success/Umoja Counselor

Kalon Bell
Black Student Success Counselor
Black Student Resources

2025 Black Student Success Week
View the 2025 Black Student Success Week events calendar for more details.

San Diego Black College Expo on January 30, 2025 – Free Event
This exciting event will take place in person at the MLK Center at Bayview. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with representatives from a variety of historically black colleges and universities, as well as other colleges, 2 year, 4 year and even trade schools. Discover scholarship opportunities, explore academic programs, and get all your questions answered. Whether you’re a high school student, college transfer student, an adult learner or a parent, this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in pursuing higher education, or just looking for opportunities. Admission is FREE! Get ACCEPTED on the Spot! Millions of Dollars in Scholarships! Seminars & More!
For more information visit www.blackcollegeexpo.com

Los Angeles Black College Expo on February 1, 2025 – Free Event
This exciting event will take place in person at the SoFi Stadium. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with representatives from a variety of historically black colleges and universities, as well as over 100 other colleges. Over 200 colleges will be in the house. 2 year college, 4 year colleges, trade schools and more. Seminars, information for Student Athletes, Real Talk College vs. High School, How to Start a Business, Booming Careers, Celebrities, Cash & Prizes! Get ACCEPTED on the Spot! Over 20 milion in Scholarships Available! Then stay for Honda Battle of the Bands! Featuring Bands from Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T, Southern University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
For more information visit www.blackcollegeexpo.com

Explore Scholarship Opportunities
Learn about scholarships for academic excellence, leadership, financial need, and specific fields of study, as well as opportunities tailored for students interested in attending HBCUs. Take the next step in making your education more affordable and accessible.

Umoja
UMOJA (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community-based program dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African Americans and other students. Through a holistic approach, the Umoja program encourages, engages, nurtures, and connects with students. Umoja creates a welcoming environment that fosters self-efficacy and a strong desire to succeed. Furthermore, Umoja encourages socially responsible leadership from students, not only in their communities but in the world as a whole.

Umoja Club
The Palomar Umoja Club seeks to enhance and acknowledge the culture and excellence of African American, Black, and other historically underrepresented students. As Umoja Club members, we strive to create an inclusive community that fosters creativity, learning, and a sense of belonging. If you have any questions regarding club membership or ways to collaborate, please feel free & reach out to their dedicated club leadership team or drop by one of their club events!

Palomar Black Faculty and Staff Association (PBFSA)
PBFSA is a place of community, solidarity, and solitude to further the work and interests of Black faculty, staff, and students at Palomar College. Their goal is to improve and sustain programs, opportunities, and advocacy for the Black population at Palomar College and continuously encourage students to strive for nothing but excellence!
Celebration of Black Graduates






More Student Resources
Your Guide to Palomar College
Welcome Comets!
Check out these helpful links and recourses to start your semester on the right foot.

Behavioral Health Counseling Services
Our team of Behavioral Health Counselors is available to provide confidential, culturally-informed mental health counseling services for Palomar College students Monday through Friday. These services are FREE for registered Palomar College students as part of the student health fee each semester.
To schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 760-891-7531 and our administrative staff will assist you with scheduling an appointment. You may be asked to leave a voicemail and one of our team members will call you back as soon as possible. You can also stop by NB-2 on the San Marcos campus to schedule an appointment in person.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services
Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program designed for the orientation, recruitment, and retention of California residents who are economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged. EOPS assists students in reaching their educational goals through academic support and financial assistance.

DRC (Disability Resource Center)
The DRC recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity integral to society and the campus community. The role of the DRC is to assist the campus community in creating more usable and inclusive environments and equitable access to the college experience for qualified students with disabilities through specialized instruction, technology, advocacy, and services. The DRC works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to create accommodations to remove environmental barriers to access and bolster student retention.

Trio SSS
TRiO/Student Support Services at Palomar College is designed to provide support services to potential transfer college students and enhance their chances for successful completion as they pursue their baccalaureate degree. Program services include academic advising, priority registration, personal, career and transfer counseling, college/university visits, textbook assistance, financial aid assistance, and cultural activities. Learn how students can qualify, apply, and benefit from this community-centered program.

The Hub: Basic Needs Support
The Hub is located in SU-22 on the San Marcos Campus and is designed to be a safe place for students to visit who are in need of assistance with food insecurities, housing insecurities, financial insecurities or a related crisis. We are here to assist students and connect them to the appropriate resources.

Transfer Center
Transfer counseling includes the following:
- Transfer planning
- Choosing a university
- Transfer Admission Guarantee information
- Exploring university requirements
- Pre-evaluating transcripts
- Applying to the universities

CalWORKs
The CalWORKS program assists welfare recipient students and those students in transition off welfare to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Career Center
Our Career Center’s mission is to provide holistic and transformative career development services by providing a supportive experience and empower students to learn, engage, and take action in clarifying their ongoing career mission, purpose, and goals.

FYRST/ Next Up
Next Up and Foster Youth Retention, Success, & Transition (FYRST) programs provide comprehensive support services for current and former foster youth. Assistance with completing academic, career, transfer and personal goals.

Food and Nutrition Center
- Assists with resource referrals
- Diaper program for students with dependent children (50 per/month for each child)
- Free hygiene and feminine hygiene products
- Grab ‘n’ Go Cooler Locations
- Calfresh information and assistance
- Weekly service to Escondido, Fallbrook and Rancho Bernardo Educational Centers
- Students and staff can receive 20lbs of free food per month
- Farmer Markets (Free Food Events)

Tutoring Services
Academic support and appointment or drop-in online tutoring sessions are available to ensure that students get the help they need. Drop-in face to face tutoring is also available in the S.T.A.R. Center on the second floor of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and at the Escondido, Fallbrook, and Rancho Bernardo Centers. The Math and Science Center is located on the third floor of the LRC. All tutoring is free of charge to currently enrolled Palomar College students. All of the tutors are experienced and trained tutors.

Athletics
Among the largest, most comprehensive and diverse programs in the state, the intercollegiate athletic program at Palomar College consists of a combined 17 Men’s and Women’s varsity-sport teams, averaging over 400 participating student-athletes per year.
Palomar fields intercollegiate teams in the following Men’s sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Water Polo, Volleyball and Wrestling. The list of Women’s sports includes Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. Additionally, the Athletics Department oversees a co-ed Cheerleading program.
