The Black College Expo is no ordinary college fair.
There is music, dancing, and thousands of high school students seeking college opportunities. And, the possibilities are endless when there are nearly 100 vendors, including more than 30 historically Black colleges and universities, University of California, California State University schools, community colleges, the military, and more looking to elevate students’ futures.
What’s even more unique to this event is that many students received scholarships or were accepted on the spot to one or more colleges.
“Today is about elevation, it’s about inspiration, it’s about feeling good about who you are and that you matter,” said Dr. Theresa Price, founder and CEO of National College Resources Foundation (NCRF). “You can feel the love, hope, and energy in the room, and that is what today is all about. This is all about opportunity. It’s about community. We are so excited about changing lives.”
Students from districts across San Diego County, including from the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS), San Pasqual Academy, and Monarch School, attended the in-person event on Feb. 12.
Yenatfanta, a senior at the Preuss School, attended her third expo. She was accepted to Hampton University, an HBCU in Virginia, but came to connect with other colleges and universities and learn about scholarships. “The expo provides a great opportunity to talk directly with so many schools and people,” she said.
Mia and Torlan, juniors at Carlsbad High School, came to learn more about the colleges and what they offer.
“I’m looking for the school that is for me,” Mia said. “It’s really helpful to be able to talk to admissions officers one-on-one, in-person to find out what colleges need from you,” she said.
As part of SDCOE’s partnership with NCRF, JCCS students got to come one hour early and hear directly from more than 20 representatives from various HBCUs on what their colleges and universities could offer students. Some shared their stories of being an at-risk youth while others enticed students with offers of free schooling.
Ricki, a senior at Monarch, was excited about the opportunities presented at the fair and the possibility of getting accepted on the spot.
“I heard one of the representatives talk about kinesiology as a major, so I am heading to their table first,” she said.
The free event is organized each year by NCRF in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education to bring opportunities for students in the region.
“This event is so much about community and uncovering opportunities for students where they can feel like they belong and be successful, whether it’s at college, in the military, or elsewhere,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, county superintendent of schools. “When I feel the energy and see the enthusiasm in students from across the county, I’m hopeful for the future,” she said.
Multiple seminars were offered on topics such as attending school as a student athlete, why students should attend an HBCU, building your brand, and money-making careers.
The Black College Expo, now in its 27th year, was developed to empower underrepresented students and help them with access to higher education. NCRF has helped hundreds of thousands of students get into college, and helped students connect with billions in scholarships and grants.
