About MoCA
Who We Are
The Men of Character Academy (MoCA) is a four-year, comprehensive retention initiative with a mission to support undergraduate students through a framework grounded in identity development, academic excellence, personal growth and professional advancement.
We believe that cultivating fellowship can pave the way for our members to have a transformative experience while at UMKC and onward into their careers.
Program Goals
- Foster academic excellence and persistence by providing personalized mentorship and academic resources.
- Enhance personal and professional development by focusing on leadership development, career readiness and community engagement opportunities.
- Build a supportive and inclusive community through a strong, interconnected network of mentors, peers and community partners.
- Increase retention and graduation rates through strategic support and targeted interventions.
- Expand outreach and influence through community engagement to build a pipeline for future MoCA scholars and increase the academy's visibility, resources and support.
Developmental Roadmap
- MoCA’s four-year curriculum is organized by year and divided into monthly themes such as academic achievement, personal development, professional growth, and health and wellness.
- Weekly programming sessions elevate MoCA scholars’ experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The curriculum comes to life with the involvement of expert campus and community partners.
- Freshmen and new transfer students benefit from regular meetings with a success coach for their first year to help new students navigate the challenges of college life and achieve their goals.
- Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to work with professional mentors from across UMKC and the wider Kansas City community.