“Students who are active with Umoja generally fail far fewer courses than do students who are less active with Umoja and they are likely to have higher Grade Point Averages (GPAs).”
- Student Achievement Report

“Umoja has been a non-stop beacon of energy geared against the machinations of poor performance at all levels: academic, professional, social, familial, and community… They offer more of a student-centered approach and acceptance to innovative learning strategies.”
- Manley staff

“Umoja is a major force in motivating students to pursue higher education. The intense counseling of seniors, the trips to colleges, and the scholarship searches are all valuable parts to this process. The Umoja staff is terrific. They really love these students and the students love them back. Manley’s rate of pursuing post-secondary education has grown tremendously and I credit Umoja for most of this increase.”
- Manley staff

“… they try to give you a lot of positive feedback on whatever you come to them with and if you have problems – school, personal, anything, you come to them and they’ll help you with it.”
- Manley student, senior

“Umoja has had a great impact on the North Lawndale community, its young people and their parents…”
– Arthur L. Turner, State Representative, 9th Legislative District

“Without hesitation, I can say that Umoja is a community-based, non-profit organization that actually produces results and benefits the lives of young people and their families.”
– Michael Chandler, Chicago Alderman, 24th Ward