In alignment with the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees’ goals for student future readiness, DeSoto High School students who wanted to learn more about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have organized an HBCU College Fair to be held at DHS on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
Spearheaded by the student group Bright Future, students reached out to campus and district staff who are alumni of HBCUs for guidance on accessing resources and information. They also contacted alumni associations and the actual recruiting offices to secure participation. Working with the Career and Technical Education department, students enrolled in graphic design classes created a flier for the project to distribute around the district and to the community.
“I wanted to learn more about Alcorn College,” expressed DHS Bright Future student Makayla. “More about their business program and sports. I have friends who have had volleyball offers from it, and I just wanted to learn more about the programs.”
“It’s important for me to attend an HBCU because of the history and community of inclusion,” explained Caitlin Shaw, class of 2022 who intends to attend Alabama A&M in the fall. “The family atmosphere is amazing and I am continuing the tradition.”
The community is invited to attend the fair to be held at the DHS Academy Cafeteria entrance.
In addition to the traditional fair distributing collateral materials, the students are organizing a panel discussion beginning at 6 p.m. The panel will feature recent DHS graduates currently attending an HBCU who will share their experiences and insights. A special (students only) lunchtime presentation from‘Divine 9’ organizations is also in the works.
To date, 20 HBCU’s have signed up to participate:
Alabama A&M University
Alcorn State University
Clark Atlanta University
Delaware State University
Dillard University
Florida A&M University
Grambling State University
Hampton University
Jackson State University
Jarvis Christian College
Mississippi Valley State University
Paul Quinn College
Prairie View A&M University
Southern University
Texas College
Tuskegee University
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Virginia State University
Wiley College
Xavier University
Students, staff and community members are invited to wear college logo items (HBCUs preferred) on Wednesday, April 20 in solidarity with our students seeking higher education.
To register your HBCU or for more information, contact DHS counselor Radiah Dewberry who serves as the sponsor for Bright Future. She can be reached at [email protected]