ECC to host fair featuring Historically Black Colleges and Universities Sept. 28

Representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be at Elgin Community College on Saturday, Sept. 28, for the third annual HBCU Fair.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Jobe Lounge, located in Building B, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

"Past fairs have had a great response from community partners, high school students, and ECC students," says Amybeth Maurer, ECC director of first year programs and student life. "Each year, the fair grows as participants continue to support the event by bringing more friends, family, and supporters to celebrate the excellence in education, culture, and tradition of HBCUs."

The HBCU fair is designed to demonstrate community-wide and institutional support for all students and their aspirations by showing them the variety of educational options available.

ECC representatives 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.

"It is important for students to feel welcome and comfortable with the institution they choose to attend, and the HBCU fair gives them a glimpse of that life," Maurer said. "By providing valuable information and resources, students are able to make a more informed decision the best meets their needs."

Historically black colleges and universities scheduled to attend include: Fisk University, Fort Valley State University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, South Carolina State University, Tuskegee University, Virginia State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Wilberforce University.

The fair also will feature a panel of HBCU alumni who will share their experiences, a live step show, a Black Greek Yard experience, and on-site financial aid (FAFSA) assistance. Music, door prizes, and raffle giveaways will complete the event.

The event is sponsored by Elgin Community College, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, United Negro College Fund, Elgin Area School District U-46, Black Student Achievers, and the Organization of Latin American Students.

For more information, visit elgin.edu/HBCUFair or contact Amybeth Maurer at (847) 214-7078.