By The Weekly Challenger
ST. PETERSBURG — Launched in 2017 by the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Shorecrest Preparatory School, the Tampa Bay area’s only HBCU College Fair has expanded into a three-day event series from Sept. 12-15 themed HBCU College Fair Reunion Weekend.
The Reunion Weekend includes a movie screening and discussion on Thursday, the Champions of Children Hearts Afire (COCHA) Awards Luncheon on Saturday and the HBCU College Fair on Sunday.
During the college fair event, attendees will have the opportunity to speak to alumni and admissions reps from colleges and universities, as well as to talk with dedicated experts about general college-related topics including the college admissions process, financial aid, scholarships, Greek life and more.
The inaugural college fair featured college recruiters and alumni representing over 30 HBCUs including Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Fisk University, Tennessee State, Edward Waters College, Florida Memorial and Florida A&M University.
More than 300 guests attended to meet with the schools. Now in their third year, the event leaders expect event attendance to grow yet again.
“Building community is one of our school’s top strategic priorities, and the HBCU College Fair continues to be an incredible opportunity to bring people together on the Shorecrest campus. We’re so pleased to expand the Fair into a full weekend of events and help even more Tampa Bay Area students learn about colleges and universities.”
Thursday, Sept. 12
- “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities” movie preview and discussion
- 6 p.m. at the Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg
- Free with registration
Saturday, Sept. 14
- Champions of Children Hearts Afire (COCHA) Awards Luncheon
- 11 a.m. at Shorecrest Preparatory School, 5101 1st St., NE, St. Petersburg
- Tickets – $45 adults, $22.50 child
Sunday, Sept. 15
- HBCU College Fair
- 1-4 p.m. at Shorecrest Preparatory School, 5101 1st St., NE, St. Petersburg
- Free with registration
For more information about HBCU College Fair Reunion events, email HBCUSCJJC@gmail.com or call (727) 238-5357.
The HBCU College Fair Reunion Weekend is sponsored by the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in partnership with the St. Petersburg Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, AKA AKAdemy, The Make it Out Foundation, members of the Divine Nine, Pruitt Marketing and Promotions and Shorecrest Preparatory School.
Additional event details and registration are available online at www.2019hbcufair.eventbrite.com/.
This article originally appeared in The Weekly Challenger.
