The 8th Annual Black College Expo kicked off at Rainier Beach High School earlier this month, introducing students and their families to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other higher education institutions from around the country. The event attracted over a thousand students from Seattle Public Schools who could see and learn about colleges for free, with the goal of filling in the gap between students and their access to opportunities.

For many students, the event offered a different perspective on their higher education journey, seeing the different types of schools and opportunities specifically dedicated to helping young Black students succeed. Many expressed their interest in attending HBCUs hoping to connect to their deep rich Black history, educational excellence, find a sense of belonging, and discover a place they could call home when miles away.

Beyond exposure, the event offered on-the-spot admissions, scholarships, and vital financial aid information such as the United Negro College Fund’s "Dethrone the Loan” initiative that helps students find alternative strategies, such as grants and scholarships, to pay for college and potentially graduate debt-free. 

Cathie Wilmore, from Father and Son’s Next Generation Level Up, Career Readiness program, emphasized that any chance to advance youth is a win-win for everybody, encouraging families to seek and take advantage of opportunities because all students “deserve the best.” 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

#Back2Besa #BesaGordon #FOX13Seattle #RainierBeach #UNCF #HBCU