The Black College Expo was no ordinary college fair. There was music, dancing, and thousands of high school students seeking college opportunities. And, the possibilities were endless when there were nearly 100 vendors, including more than 30 historically Black colleges and universities, University of California and California State University schools, community colleges, the military, and more looking to elevate students’ futures.
What’s even more unique to this event was that many students received scholarships or were accepted on the spot to one or more colleges.
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.
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.
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.
As reported by the San Diego County Office of Education.