The College Tour experience is much more than a week long bus tour of a sample of our precious HBCUs. In addition to visiting campuses, interacting with admissions personnel, meeting fellow students from different parts of the country, and even getting to speak with college students as they go about their academic and social day, participants will benefit from a several week long pre-College Tour program designed to prepare them for success.
LET’S TALK
A Targeted Virtual Discussion Series with HBCU Faculty and Administrators
This program includes a series of 75-minute topic specific virtual panel discussions with 2-5 HBCU faculty/administrators designed to provide students and their parents/guardians with first hand information related to college admissions, persistence, and success. Topics may include:
STEM Admissions Preparation
Financial Aid Considerations: Beyond the FASFA
Residential Life
Collegiate Athletics
Academic Support
Parents’ Rights
Campus Safety
Graduate School Preparation
Bachelor’s in Four Years
Fraternity/Sorority Life
A Roundtable Discussion with Institution Presidents
COLLEGE SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
During the four to five weeks leading up to the College Tour, we convene a series of workshops that explore topics related to college success and selection, historical perspectives of education of African Americans, targeted discussion of barriers to educational success and strategies to overcome them, financial literacy issues, and more. The workshops are customized for parents/guardians and students.
COLLEGE TOUR ESSAY COMPETITION
College Tour participants may win a little extra spending money by participating in our College Tour Essay Competition. In no more than 650 words, participants will respond to a relevant prompt. A committee of College Tour organizers and chaperones will review each submission and select the best ones. Essay prizes are in the amount of $50 to $100.
CULTURAL SITES VISITATION
As part of the College Tour, we will take important timeouts to visit the MLK Memorial on the National Mall as well as the National Museum of African American History and Culture as feasible.
TALENT SHOW AND ATHLETIC COMPETITION
While on the Tour, participants have the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in fun competitions that include oratorical contests, group and individual trivia games, athletic competitions and more.
HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
The HBCU experience is both academic and social. During each Tour we participate in a homecoming football game and associated activities.
PRIORITY NOTICE OF FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
As College Tour alumni, participants receive priority notice of Foundation programs including those related to mentoring, literacy, and college information.
