The Detroit Historically Black College and University Network and the Alpha Rho Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. held its first HBCU College Days College Fair on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The college fair was held at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. The event was put on by the Think HBCU Committee of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. – Alpha Rho Omega Chapter and the Detroit HBCU Network.
The event was free for students and parents and aimed to provide college-bound students with information regarding historically black colleges and universities as they prepare to make an informed decision on their post-high school education path. The day was packed with educational information from beginning to end.
The day kicked off with a welcome from current Cass Tech principal, Lisa Phillips; followed by an informative financial readiness presentation from Jennifer Smith, founder and CEO of Closing the Gap Detroit. There was also an HBCU rap session and panel discussion facilitated by Nikki Taylor, vice president of the Detroit HBCU Network. The panel discussion consisted of various HBCU alumni and was designed for them to answer questions, share valuable information and dispel myths and preconceived notions about the HBCU experience.
“One of our main goals at the Detroit HBCU Network is to increase enrollment across HBCUs. Our institutions of higher learning will always be relevant to the social changes and the academia needed to move our community and this country forward,” said Detroit HCBU Network vice president Nikki Taylor. “Our schools have historically demonstrated this therefore we are seeking to assist with recruitment efforts,” Taylor said.
The day concluded with a HBCU mix and mingle and college fair in Cass Tech’s auxiliary gym. Recruiters and alumni from dozens of HBCUs provided information on admissions and scholarships to the hundreds of students and parents that showed up. Students were also able to stop by the National Pan-Hellenic Council Sorority and Fraternity Row for information on Black Greek organizations.
For this to be the first edition of HBCU College Days, the event was very well received and attended. Approximately 40 HBCUs, Black Greeks and other organizations participated in the college fair, including Morehouse, Spelman, Grambling State University and Florida A&M. Take a look at the pictures in the gallery to see how the day unfolded. Let us know what you think. Do you think HBCUs should have more college fair events in your city?
Photos credit: Porsha Mitchell for Steed Media
