ECC to host Oct. 21 fair featuring historically black colleges, universities

On Saturday, Oct. 21, representatives from more than 20 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) will be at Elgin Community College for a college fair. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Building B Jobe Lounge, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin.

ECC is hosting the HBCU fair as a way to expose area high school and college students to more diverse educational opportunities, said Brittany Barber, student life coordinator for targeted populations.

"The goal of this fair is not to detract from the excellent colleges and universities we have in Illinois," Barber said. "This fair aims to expand the possibilities for students, as well as show them what HBCUs can offer."

ECC representatives also will be present to help students and families understand the academic, social, and financial advantages of starting their educations at ECC and transferring to an HBCU after two years.

The fair also will feature presentations by the United Negro College Fund, which funds scholarships for African-American students and general scholarship funds for 37 private HBCUs. The fair is sponsored by ECC, Elgin Area School District U-46, the United Negro College Fund, the Black History Family Festival Board, and Delta Sigma Theta Inc.

For more information, contact Brittany Barber at (847) 214-7078.