(BPRW) HBCU Week Foundation Hosts 10th Annual Event Encouraging High School Students to Enroll in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Organization’s Mission to Change the Lives of Today’s Youth with Opportunities for On-the-Spot College Acceptance and Scholarships Drives Week-Long Experience

(Black PR Wire) WILMINGTON, Del. – The HBCU Week Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting high school students enrolling in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is thrilled to announce its 10th annual HBCU Week, taking place from September 13-20 in Wilmington, DE. This annual marquee event provides a week-long experience where high school students from across the country will experience HBCU life with daily activities including college tours, panel discussions with school leaders, and a VIP reception.

The highlight of HBCU Week is its signature College Fair presented by the Sallie Mae Fund, where students meet HBCU recruiters and earn on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships – providing them an amazing opportunity to secure an early connection to college, community and culture at an HBCU. Registration for all events, including the College Fair can be found at HBCUWeek.org.

Coinciding with the College Fair on Friday, September 18, HBCU Week Foundation will officially launch its 2026 scholarship application cycle, providing students with additional opportunities to secure financial support for their HBCU education. Scholarship opportunities include the Michael S. Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship, Arts & Entertainment Scholarship, USTA Althea Gibson Scholarship, AstraZeneca Scholarship, Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) Scholarship, HBCU Week Sports Scholarship powered by Robert O. Wright III and Stephen A. Smith, Treasurer’s Fellow Graduate Scholarship, and NFL Scholarship. Students can review eligibility requirements and apply for available scholarships beginning September 18 through HBCUWeek.org.

On average, only 36% of Black high school students register for college. Holders of college degrees are 40% less likely to be unemployed and earn an estimated $1.2 million more in career earnings than those with only a high school diploma. Attending an HBCU is linked to an empowering environment that fosters exceptional academic, mental health, and long-term cognitive benefits for Black students. There are 104 HBCUs nationwide. They produce a massive share of the nation’s Black professionals, including 40% of Black engineers, 50% of Black teachers, 70% of Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of Black judges.

“Our goal with HBCU Week is to provide students the chance to experience what life is like at an HBCU, a clear path to enrollment, scholarships and the connections to confidently lead in their careers,” said Ashley Christopher, founder and CEO of HBCU Week Foundation. “As a double HBCU alumna, I know firsthand that culture and community played an integral part in growing my confidence and helped me find and amplify my voice as a Black woman. We are always thrilled to offer HBCU Week to today’s youth to provide them with a snapshot of the HBCU experience, showcasing a sense of belonging they might not otherwise experience. HBCU Week events are curated to help students imagine the joy and limitless possibilities of attending an HBCU.”

The event kicks off with a gospel brunch, followed by multiple panel discussions at high schools discussing student inquiries, a college tour at Delaware State University, and a vendor community fair. Closing out the week will be an HBCU Battle of the Bands and a VIP dinner and concert featuring Waka Flocka Flame, Trina and Yung Miami.

“I’m excited to be a part of HBCU Week,” said John Carney, Mayor of Wilmington. “Our city is honored to be a major sponsor of this event and showcase these various initiatives which demonstrate the benefits of attending an HBCU.”

“Our ongoing partnership with HBCU Week reflects our shared commitment to increasing access to higher education and helping more students graduate,” said Nic Jafarieh, executive vice president, Sallie Mae. “Events like the College Fair give students meaningful opportunities to connect with schools, better understand their options, and make informed decisions about the next major step in their education.”

“I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for an HBCU,” noted ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, HBCU Week Brand Ambassador and alumnus of Winston-Salem State University. “What I received from attending Winston-Salem State helped me establish an extended family. I was surrounded by people who looked like me, shared my cultural background and cared enough about me to take a personal interest in my success.”

Since its inception, HBCU Week and its College Fair have resulted in more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and nearly 6,000 scholarships offered, totaling more than $109 million.

Additional sponsors include major sponsors: City of Wilmington (DE), Wilmington (DE) City Council, signature sponsor Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), and participating sponsors: AstraZeneca, Barclays, Bank of America, City Treasurer of Wilmington (DE), Delaware Department of State, Delaware State University, DUPONT, New Castle County (DE), Nemours Children’s Health, and WSFS Bank.

“We’re thrilled to be in Wilmington celebrating HBCUs and the students that want to join this community,” added Christopher. “We hope that students, parents and leaders gain value in this week’s events and can walk away with a plethora of benefits from our sessions.”

About the HBCU Week Foundation

Founded in 2017, HBCU Week Foundation encourages high-school-aged youth to enroll at HBCUs. The organization provides scholarships for matriculation and sustains a pipeline for employment from undergraduate schooling to corporate America. Every year, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization hosts a week-long celebration rallying students, alumni, celebrities, and industry leaders to pour into the next generation, while spotlighting the pride and power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The most impactful event during HBCU Week is the HBCU College Fair. For more information, please visit: https://www.hbcuweek.org/