The Women of Color, Honor and Ambition (WOCHA) initiative is a year-long program tailored to the unique experiences of women in higher education. While it is designed through the lens of women of color, the program welcomes all undergraduate students who identify as women and are in their second to fifth year of academic study.
WOCHA students will
- participate in a series of monthly workshops offered by faculty, staff and community leaders;
- foster a sense of community and bonding with each other and role models through social outings; and
- support their health awareness and development through their participation in wellness activities.
Mission
The WOCHA program seeks to provide personal, academic, cultural, social, wellness, professional and leadership development to undergraduate women enrolled at Mizzou, to positively impact academic success, increase retention and develop successful leaders of tomorrow.
Vision
WOCHA participants will achieve academic excellence, graduate from college and be empowered to become successful leaders and role models in their respective careers and communities. Scholars will actively engage in the University of Missouri campus and the surrounding community.
Program goals
- Assist in increasing the overall student retention rate.
- Foster a sense of community among program participants.
- Support and challenge program participants to achieve academic excellence.
- Develop an increased awareness surrounding business acumen, etiquette, professional attire, academic support mechanisms and various social activities.
The five pillars of WOCHA
- Ambition
- Achievement
- Integrity
- Service
- Health and Wellness
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for WOCHA, an applicant must:
- Complete an online application.
- Be an undergraduate between the second and fifth academic years of study at MU.
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
- Make a personal commitment to both attendance and academic excellence.
Personal commitments
- Program participants must pledge to attend no less than 80% of WOCHA events
- Program participants must pledge to strive for a 3.0 GPA or better during their year of participation
- Program participants must complete a community service project
- Program participants must attend the weekend leadership retreat during each semester
Contact us
Answers to many questions regarding the WOCHA program can be accessed in the frequently asked questions section. If you have questions or concerns regarding your application, please email us at academicaccess@missouri.edu