The importance of this day is to give students the chance to apply and learn about the many opportunities the different HCBUs have to offer.
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“It’s just another way to give them access. We know accessibility is a big issue for a lot of our kids, especially some of these schools that’s not realistic for them to travel to, so this is a really good opportunity for them to see what’s all out there and in their reach that they might not otherwise know about.”
The 10 HBCUs present included Wilberforce and Central State in Greene County; Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee; Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama; Clark Atlanta and Spelman universities in Atlanta; Norfolk State University in Norfolk Virginia; Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Florida A&M in Tallahassee and Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Roughly 125 juniors and seniors participated in the day that in addition to opportunities to learn about HBCUs, included , cheer and dance team performances, a Greek letter fraternity and sorority step show, and a question and answer session, Frederick said.
Several Wilberforce students said the event is a great opportunity and opens doors for students.
“It’s important to see because I feel like a lot of people in Ohio, and especially in the Midwest, they don’t really know about Wilberforce because we are so small,” said graduating senior Kajeza Hawkins, who is also the reigning Miss Wilberforce. “I think this is a really nice event and it opens the student’s eyes and puts in perspective all the other HBCUs that are available.”
PHOTOS: HBCU Day at Springfield High School
Some students highlighted other advantages.
“It’s really important so you can see the diversity in the different colleges and what they have to offer because not every college is actually the same,” said Camryn Rakestraw. “I think you can tell even with a lot of HBCUs, you can see even though they have a lot in common, there’s also a lot of differences.”
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One student wants to make sure future Springfield High School have the same experience.
“I think it’s a good thing because you get to learn more about other colleges and other choices that you have,” said Estefani Salguero. “They should do this every year for the students because I think it’s a good opportunity for them.”
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