African Student Organization
The African Student Organization is a community of students passionate about uplifting African culture on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Our organization is dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere for people of the African diaspora by empowering individuals and communities through education, advocacy, and action. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and are united by a common goal: to amplify our presence on campus. We believe that representation matters and that working together can create a better future for African students. Our vision is to create a more robust network between our organization, our alumni, and our community in order to assist in the development of innovative leaders. By promoting representation and diversity, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. This is why our organization is committed to empowering underrepresented communities in Africa and promoting their voices and perspectives.
For questions and to join contact:
Anjolaoluwa (Anjie) Oludayo
President of ASO
Model African Union Club
The Model African Union team simulates the inner workings of the African Union by representing a chosen African nation at the international conference each February. Collaborating with other teams from around the world in Washington D.C., the team uses the rules of the actual African Union to pass resolutions through the committees in the simulated African Union. Each team member is assigned their own committee. The team prepares for the conference through meetings, where research and policy proposals are discussed. For those interested in Africa, development, or international affairs, this is a great learning experience and a hands-on opportunity in diplomacy and leadership. No previous experience necessary!
Learn more about the conference here.
See photos from the 2023 International Model African Union Conference!
For questions and to join contact:
Michael DeAngelo
Graduate Student Assistant
Facilitating Opportunities for Refugee Growth and Empowerment (FORGE)
This is a student organization that is dedicated to advocating for and assisting the refugee and immigrant communities in Pittsburgh and around the world. To fulfill this mission, our organization is focused on educating students on campus and the Pittsburgh community on issues affecting refugees and immigrants, teaching refugees English, and connecting refugees and immigrants around the city to students and other organizations in Pittsburgh that offer valuable resources for their respective communities.
We offer two tutoring options: in-home tutoring through AJAPO, and after-school tutoring at Brashear High School through our S.C.C.O.R.E. program. Students interested in the in-home program will be matched with a refugee family that has been resettled by AJAPO, and they will help the family strengthen their English language skills and become accustomed to the culture in the United States. Students interested in the after-school tutoring program will work with high school students at Brashear High School in various subjects. These tutoring opportunities offer invaluable, and mutual, learning experiences for volunteers!
We also hold biweekly meetings on Mondays at 9pm in Cathedral Room 218 where we have discussions about global crises and immigrant- and refugee- related events. These discussions cover topics including: the ethnocide of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Ukrainian refugees, the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, etc. We also hold events, fundraisers, and panels throughout the year and work closely with many of the refugee resettlement agencies located in Pittsburgh. Previous panels include: an LBTQIA+ Refugees Panel and an Intergenerational/Migration Trauma Panel, and our fundraisers include working with refugee agencies to raise money/collect items for specific refugee populations in-need.
For more information and to join contact:
African Languages Student Association
Student organization focused on the preservation and spread of African languages.
For questions and to join, contact:
Cassie Calvaresi