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Why Attend an HBCU (Historically Black College)?

2/21/2017

When it comes to finding your best-fit college, a school's atmosphere is very important. It determines whether you'll feel comfortable and whether you'll find your niche. For this reason, all students should consider attending a Historically Black College or University.

There are 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States—you may already be familiar with some well-known campuses like Morehouse (pictured above), Howard, Spelman, and Fisk. From class offerings and student organizations to career services and alumni networks,

HBCUs offer supportive environments that are rooted in the African-American experience. But this is not saying these campuses aren’t diverse: HBCUs admit students from all races and walks of life.

Did You Know…

In the past decade, many historically Black colleges and universities have increasingly become whiter. While HBCUs have always allowed people of different races into their doors, the last 10 years have seen a larger enrollment of non-Black students. In fact, Bluefield State College in West Virginia has an 82 percent white student enrollment as of 2011. Gadsden State Community College in Alabama is 71 percent white; Lincoln University in Missouri is 60 percent white; West Virginia State University has a 50 percent white population, and St. Philip’s College in Texas has a Hispanic majority of 50 percent.

More than 50% of the nation’s African American public school teachers and 70% of African American dentists earned degrees at HBCUs.

Lincoln University’s inaugural class of nurses (2016) has achieved perfection in earning professional licenses. All 17, members of the graduating class, 100% passed the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and have secured positions in hospitals and medical centers throughout the Mid-Missouri region. Lincoln joins Fayetteville State University, Coahoma Community College on the list of historically black colleges to earn perfect marks on the national exam in the last two years.

There are 4 HBCU medical schools. Their names are Meharry Medical College (TN), Morehouse School of Medicine (GA), Charles R. Drew School of Medicine and Science (CA), and Howard University School of Medicine (DC). The Xavier University of Louisiana is #1 nationally in placing African-Americans into medical school. Howard University is #1 in graduating PhDs.

Spelman College - The Atlanta college was founded by two white women, Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, in 1881. At this time, the school was located in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church. By 1883, the school had enough funds to build an actual school on nine acres of land. The Rockefellers donated so much money that the school was named after the family of John D. Rockefeller’s wife, Laura Spelman. The first Black woman to be on staff was Sophia Jones, M.D, in 1885. In 1987, Johnnetta B. Cole became the first Black female president of the college.

You should consider the campus culture at any college before you apply. Don't rely solely on the materials sent to you by the admissions office—do your own research.

Given the opportunity, visit as many campuses as you can before making a final decision. There is no better way to get a real sense of the college, its people and the type of life you will experience than visiting the campus.

A quality HBCU tour provides the student with access to many campuses, admissions personnel, financing seminars as well as accurate customized information about the various HBCU options that meet your specific objectives.

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Top 5 Reasons "you" really want to be on the Ultimate HBCU Tour

2/4/2017

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"Without new experiences, your soul rots."

I have no idea who originated that quote but I am absolutely certain it is true. Very often we, as human beings, get very comfortable in the lives we have and start to grow roots.

I don't mean the good kind of roots where you create strong relationships with others who educate, inspire and motivate you to greatness, but the kind of roots that keep you in the same place, with the same people, discussing the same ideas.

In my lifetime, I have found that travel, no matter how small, opens the door to new ideas, perspectives and always has the potential to teach new lessons about people, the world we live in and most important about ourselves.

So, it is with this thought in mind that we bring you the Top 5 Reasons "you" want to be on the Ultimate HBCU Tour.

Travel will help you decide what you want in life. You are considering an HBCU tour so you can learn more about HBCU options, get a sense of the different campuses and see what feels best for yours. This tour will open your eyes to the history of the HBCU's in the context of the world we live in today. You will be introduced to authors that will help you find the funds to attend the school of your choice and counselors to help you navigate the process.
You will be a more interesting person. There is nothing more interesting than having a conversation with someone who has been somewhere and done something. Most people just talk about what they wish they would have done. In addition to college campuses, you will have learned the truth about black history not told in schools. This knowledge will strengthen your understanding of history and empower future decision making.
You’ll learn to develop your independence. The decisions you are about to make regarding your education, living in a state that may not be the one where you were born and raised is a big step. There will be opportunities for you to build relationships, prepare for being truly on your own without being all alone.
Build your travel credibility! The tour will take care of the little details related to travel, but you will be experiencing the most important parts of traveling the country. All of the key elements that will enable you to be a seasoned traveler for the rest of your life. These skills include time management, introducing yourself in new environments, learning to listen, so you understand how other cultures think, overcoming personal fears of the unknown, gaining the courage to say hello despite your fears.
No Regrets. We have all heard that "knowledge is power". If you choose to step up to the challenge, you will learn a great deal about many prospective schools you are all but guaranteed to be accepted for admission. You will meet new people, define your path forward and strengthen your resolve. there will be no regrets for not having taken the opportunity to learn, experience and connect with others from around the country.

Maybe you have a different view of the world you would like to share. Drop us a note or leave a comment to help us see the world with a different perspective.

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Why Attend an HBCU (Historically Black College)?

Top 5 Reasons "you" really want to be on the Ultimate HBCU Tour

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