Destination HBCU: College Fair

The Cleveland Council of Black Colleges Alumni Association is excited to present the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Destination HBCU (Historically Black College and University) College Fair Weekend, November 17-20, 2022! This event is being made possible with the support and collaboration with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and the Warrensville Heights School District. This event continues to be the largest HBCU recruitment event in Ohio. But, for those who know, this event is more than a college fair – it's an expo of programs, services, and resources for students to succeed.
 
Pre-pandemic (2019), this multi-day event attracted the participation of nearly 5000 students, parents, and educators. Upon our in-person return in 2021, our level of engagement did not lose much momentum as we were close to 4000 participants. As the interest in HBCUs continues to grow, we do not doubt that the community will eagerly await to take advantage of the many opportunities this year.

We have reimaged this event in honor of our 20 years of providing support and services to the scholars and families we serve by aiding in the decision-making process of "Where Do We Go From Here?" The intention is to offer every possible resource for a student to make an informed decision about their collegiate experience. For years this event continues to serve as the entry-point for many students to learn about HBCUs, gain conditional acceptance and scholarship opportunities for college bound students from the Northeast Ohio area.

Honorary Drum Major for Education:

Highlighting this celebration is Ohio's 11th District Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown
The Cleveland politician will serve as the Honorary (Chair) Dum Major for Education. ​

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Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown is a relentless public servant who is committed to delivering results for the people of Ohio’s Eleventh Congressional District. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021 and was sworn in on November 4, 2021. She brings a collaborative, dynamic, and problem-solving approach to Congress, where she works to attract jobs that pay fair wages to Northeast Ohio, improve access to affordable, high-quality health care, ensure equity and justice for all Americans, and improve the quality of life of all people living in her district. 

The Cleveland politician will serve as the Honorary (Chair) Dum Major for Education. During the spring 2022 commencement season, Ms. Brown received her undergraduate degree in organizational management from Wilberforce University, the nation's first, private, historically Black college/university. Educating students of African descent has been the moral and academic commitment of Wilberforce University for 166 years. She participated in the university's CLIMB program, which is a non-traditional curriculum designed for adults to complete their undergraduate degrees. As the honorary chair, the congresswoman will share her commitment to supporting minority higher education, aid in the promotion of the event to the general public and make connections from the "Movers and Shakers of Northeast Ohio" to further elevate the mission, values, impact and legacy of HBCUs.

PROGRAM GOALS
From the rigorous academic offerings, legacy, historic landmarks, influential graduates, and student engagement; HBCUs are truly a DESTINATION where students can fulfill their dreams and prepare for the challenges ahead. The HBCUs represented at the fair and other exhibitors in attendance will certainly add value to the scholars served – to allow them to witness and understand the proud history and traditions of HBCUs while still proving their relevance of today and how they can prosper as a student for the next four years.
 
The goals of the fair are to:

• Increase college enrollment in under-served and under-represented populations of the community;
• Educate the community about the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities;
• Allow participants to become familiar with a variety of financial aid programs and educational resources;
• Connect post-secondary options to a student's career, internship, and vocational interest and opportunities; and
• Provide relevant programming that showcases student achievement, talents, and philanthropy.

 

Check out the impact for yourself from our 2021 event. Here is a video clip that was prepared by our program partners the Cleveland Cavaliers and the National Basketball Association.

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2018 Event - Photo credits compliments of Wake Up Call Media

2017 Event - Photo credits compliments of Wake Up Call Media