More than 300 students vying for a coveted spot at their dream school attended the National College Resource Foundation’s Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan Tour recently hosted by Inglewood High School.
With 22 attending colleges and universities, students from the Inglewood Unified School District were basically speed-dating their top picks and some newfound ones as well.
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The caravan tour allowed students to explore various post-secondary career options while gaining knowledge about financial aid and admission processes. On-the-spot admission and scholarship opportunities were made available for 12th-grade students.
The event was electrified with high-energy step dancing and musical performances by the school band in the background, making the college application process an exhilarating, supportive experience. The caravan is part of the well-known Black College Expo.
“The Black College Expo is celebrating its 25th anniversary,” said Dr. Theresa Price, founder and CEO of the foundation. “We’ve been doing the caravans for over eight years as a part of the Black College Expo.”
In no way has Price’s enthusiasm diminished. Serving as the event mistress of ceremonies, Price crisscrossed the gym with a microphone in hand to announce to the attendees when a student received an offer from a college.
Dakota Rolison, 16, was one of those students. Rolison was in a whirlwind after a college offered the 11th grader a four-year scholarship, although she has one year left of high school.
“I have a 4.0. I’m a track star, a cheerleader, and I participate in the Brotherhood Crusade Alliance,” said Rolison. “I am going to pursue a degree in business management.”
Kimora Twyman, 17, was also surprised when she was offered a full scholarship to Harris-Stowe State University.
“This is an extremely exciting day! I didn’t think I was going to get any scholarships at first,” said Twyman. Twyman is in the 12th grade and currently holds about a 3.5 GPA.
Kenneth Ruffin is the assistant director and head recruiter for Grambling State University. Ruffin said he has seen a whopping 50-to-60 students in the first hour of the caravan.
“Being here is important to the kids,” said Ruffin. “That moment [of admitting a student] is so surreal for us; to open up the opportunity for them and see the expressions on their faces when they get accepted is priceless.”
Dr. Bernadette Lucas is the chief academic officer of the Inglewood Unified School District. Lucus works to ensure that all aspects of instruction are top-notch.
“Today is such an important day,” said Lucas.
“Inglewood Unified School District has a relentless commitment to college readiness for our students. By any means necessary, if it is legal, moral, or ethical, we’re going to make sure they have all the opportunities we can give them.”
