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Local students explore HBCU options at free college fair in North Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — The National Coalition of 100 Black Women hosted a free HBCU College Fair on Saturday to connect local students with historically Black colleges and universities. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church West in Charlotte. The fair offered students and their families the chance to learn about various post-high school options, including four-year universities and trade schools, organizers said. Local college and career planning organizations also provided resources to help attendees navigate the transition to higher education. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions about admissions, campus life and specific academic

How Dr. Asya Johnson, creator of first and only HBCU High School, is championing quality education

Since its launch in September 2025, the HBCU Early College Prep School, led by Dr. Asya Johnson, has attracted immense interest as the nation’s first high school of its kind. A testament to its appeal, the school received over 1,000 applications for only 100 spots in its inaugural class. The school’s core mission is to foster “a community of learners dedicated to academic excellence, diversity, societal contributions and social justice.” Johnson, creator of the school, told ABC News, “There’s just not enough exposure to HBCUs across the country. We talk about college and college access, but we do not spend enough

Building the Next Generation of Industry Leaders: Dr. Kimberly Wise White Visits South Carolina for HBCU Day at the State House

the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Dr. Kimberly Wise White traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, for a series of engagements celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and engaging local leaders, educators and students to empower career readiness. The visit reinforced ACC’s commitment to strengthening pathways for students attending HBCUs and pursuing STEM careers, particularly through the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), and reflected Dr. White’s personal dedication to mentorship and education. Formed in 2020 by ACC, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Chemours, and the HBCU Week Foundation, FOSSI provides $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year) to students pursuing eligible STEM

Nonprofit connecting first-generation college students to strong first jobs expands to HBCUs in the Carolinas

By Analisa Sorrells Archer As college students prepare to graduate, they face the pivotal but often daunting task of securing their first job and unlocking long-term economic mobility. Yet the economic benefits of earning a four-year degree are not distributed equally. According to an analysis from the Pew Research Center, first-generation college students, on average, earn lower incomes and have less wealth than their peers with college-educated parents — making the transition from college to career even more crucial for first-generation students. Enter Basta, a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 that aims to “close the employment gap for first-generation students” by providing

Meet Dr. Asya Johnson: Principal Of Queens, NY’s HBCU Early College Prep High School

Impactful educators who intentionally and passionately pour into their students are invaluable parts of our community. Dr. Asya Johnson, founding principal and creator of the HBCU Early College Prep High School in Jamaica, Queens, NY, has proven to be a principal who will leave a lifelong positive impression on her students, and thankfully, she’s just getting started in this exciting role. Dr. Johnson, a Philadelphia native, boasts an impressive career that spans two decades. Before HBCU Early College Prep, she received an Ed.D. from Drexel University; an Ed.M. from Bank Street College; an M.Ed. from Holy Family University and a B.A. from her beloved HBCU, Delaware State

Thousands of Students Attend 9th Annual Black College Expo

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

Where Legacy Meets Purpose: Inside Grace HBCU Weekend

Grace Baptist Church felt different that weekend. Not just busy. Not just full. But purposeful. From the moment the doors opened, the energy of legacy, ambition, and love for our children filled every hallway and handshake. The second annual Grace HBCU Weekend wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder to our young people of who they are and where they come from. Saturday, February 21, 2026, set the tone. The sanctuary transformed into a bridge between dreams and opportunity. More than 25 HBCUs showed up, not just with brochures, but with belief. Parents leaned in with hope in their

Longview ISD launches free HBCU application service for students

Longview ISD has removed a barrier for students dreaming of an education at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by paying all application fees to more than 50 schools. The district partnered with EDU Incorporated, which runs a platform that allows students to apply to many HBCUs simultaneously. Longview ISD pays the $25 application fee for each student. Ashtyn McCray, a senior at Longview High School who is looking at Wiley University in Marshall, said the service opens new opportunities. “I feel like this is going to be a great way for students to get into the colleges they desire

High Schoolers Meet with HBCU Admissions Reps Virtually This Month

The Northern Indiana (IN) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated will host its 1st Annual Virtual HBCU College Tour with multiple colleges and universities throughout February. The virtual college tour will take place over multiple evenings, with each participating HBCU featured on a designated day. All sessions will be held after 5:00 p.m. CST, allowing students and families to attend outside of the school day. The event is open to high school students, parents, school counselors, and educators who are interested in learning more about admissions requirements, scholarships, financial aid, and campus life at HBCUs. The series kicked off the week

HBCU Experience Day at ETHS features presentations, discussions, scholarship fair

Evanston Township High School’s annual HBCU Experience Day highlighted the history, legacy and opportunities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The full-day event, held on Feb. 5,  featured presentations, panel discussions and a scholarship fair. High school juniors and seniors had the opportunity to initiate their college search early by speaking in person to representatives from HBCUs — institutions that were established when segregation and exclusion barred Black students from many colleges and universities. HBCUs remain vital institutions in higher education today. Sean Blaylock represented North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University at the event. He noted it gave ETHS

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