Group photo of the ‘23-’24 and the ‘22-’23 cohort of BLOOM!
Description
Welcome to BLOOM: Asian American Community Program!
Dedicated to the Asian American Experience at Cal
BLOOM: Asian American Community Program – originally the Asian Pacific American Theme House, was first established in 1992 and relaunched in 2023 as BLOOM – is a residence program for students looking to build community while engaging in Asian American history, culture, and contemporary issues. BLOOM is grounded in the history of the Asian American Movement and its origins at Cal.
Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA) protest outside of UC Berkeley’s Greek Theater at a 1968 anti-war rally. Photo credit to Asian American Movement 1968.
This program supports new students in their transition to a large university setting through academic and social activities such as a weekly seminar, fields, academic support, cultural events, and community service. A live-in theme program assistant provides resources and support for residents’ social and academic needs. Our academic seminar brings together students and faculty, alumni, community leaders, activists, and other speakers to discuss a variety of topics relating to the Asian American experience. Through social and academic activities, students gain leadership skills, form a close-knit community, and have fun!
We are excited to help you bloom at Berkeley!
Program Requirements
BLOOM floor participants are expected to engage in and actively participate to in the following theme program activities to enhance their experience, including:
- A yearlong (fall and spring) seminar, Asian American Studies 194A/B. The mandatory seminar is a 2-unit per semester, graded class that meets on Wednesdays 1pm – 3pm. In this introductory Asian American studies course, BLOOM residents will learn more about their own and their classmates’ Asian American experiences while building community on and off campus. Key program features include the BLOOM community event and End of Year Showcase!
If you’re admitted to BLOOM, you will be given more information about how to enroll in the seminar.
BLOOM Students after successfully hosting their community event, “Head in the Fog”
Additionally, BLOOM residents are expected to:
- Attend Fall floor retreat
- Attend floor meetings lead by your Theme Program Resident Assistant (TPRA)
- Join the BLOOM/SSWANA Mentor/Mentee Program
- Engage is additional opportunities shared in seminar and with the floor.
Follow us on instagram @BloomatBerkeley to learn more about the program!
BLOOM students were able to join a field trip to Remagination Farms
Living Space
BLOOM residents live together, along with students from the South, South West Asian, North African (SSWANA) Living Learning Community on a floor in Towle Hall in Unit 2, which is situated on the south edge of campus a few blocks away from the bustle of Telegraph Avenue.
For more information about Unit 2, including amenities and features, academic services, and more, please visit Housing.
Contact
If you have additional questions about living arrangements that are not answered here, please email Residential Life at themeprograms@berkeley.edu. If you have questions about BLOOM, please email Miya Sommers, Assistant Director of Asian Pacific American Student Development, at miyasommers@berkeley.edu.
Boba and Karaoke Night at Unit 2
Love Our Community Tour around Lake Merritt
BLOOM: ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Dedicated to the Asian American Experience at Berkeley
Bloom focuses on developing community and support for students interested in engaging with their peers on contemporary issues, culture, and history of Asian Americans. The program offers a dynamic environment for interaction and learning through academic and social activities such as weekly seminars, field trips, academic support, and community events to ensure that all students are able to bloom during their first year on campus.