Lynwood – Firebaugh High School senior Cheyanne Roberts moved a step closer to her dream career in dentistry when she was offered a $92,000 scholarship to Benedict College during the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Caravan Tour Jan. 31.

Roberts was one of nearly 400 Lynwood Unified Students who filled the gymnasiums at Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools to meet with HBCU recruiters, who presented them with on-the-spot acceptance and, for some, full-ride scholarships.

“Receiving this scholarship makes me feel like I’m not limited to anything, and don’t have any obstacles keeping me from what I want to accomplish,” Roberts said. “HBCU’s are interesting to me because they offer a diverse community where I can learn more about successful people of color.”

Firebaugh High students received $3.1 million in scholarships and 204 acceptances, and Lynwood High students obtained $2.7 million in scholarships with 177 acceptances.

The tour was organized by the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) and the Black College Expo. Students submitted transcripts and SAT/ACT scores to participating HCBUs, which included Tuskegee University, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Harris-Stowe State University and Benedict. Representatives were at each high school for nearly two hours and, in addition to on-the-spot acceptances, recruiters also waived application fees.

“The HBCU Caravan helps to remove barriers of access and finances to allow all students to pursue post-secondary education,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “With the help of the NCRF, we were able to expose students to colleges and universities and make higher education more accessible for them.”

Theresa Price, founder of NCRF and the Black College Expo, partnered with Lynwood Unified to bring resources and information to high school students to help them navigate their path to college.

“We strive to connect students to college, careers and beyond,” Price said. “We work with students throughout the year, providing mentoring, college and career preparation and interventions. We want students to know they can do anything and everything, and this tour gives them the confidence they need to do just that.”

Over the years, the NCRF has helped students secure over $500 million in scholarships and grants, and helped over 500,000 students receive acceptance into college. Additionally, the NCRF has helped increase grades and test scores, decrease dropout rates and increase college entrance and completion rates.

PHOTO CAPTION:

020320_LUSD_HBCU1: Students from Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools received nearly 400 on-the-spot acceptances to colleges and more than $5.8 million in scholarships during the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Caravan Tour Jan. 31.