LYNWOOD, CA. – Lynwood and Firebaugh high school students received on-the-spot acceptances and more than $3 million in scholarships from the country’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) during a Black College Expo Caravan event on Jan. 23.

Hosted in partnership with the National College Resources Foundation’s, juniors and seniors at both campuses were provided with a wide array of college opportunities and resources.

Students came prepared with transcripts to meet with 30 HBCUs from across the country. With no application fees, many students received on the spot acceptances and full-ride scholarships.

“I’m extremely happy after receiving my acceptance into Claflin University because I didn’t think I could do it,” Lynwood High School junior Hayley Freeman said. “It feels great knowing I go to a school that cares about me, especially as an African American student. The opportunities they are providing us with to learn more about college are life changing.”

In addition, students received internship and career information, had the opportunity to sign up for seminars and workshops and learned about the resources available to them as they begin their college journeys.
Attending schools included Alabama State University, Fisk University, Tuskegee University, Claflin University, Benedict College and more.

Cash prizes were also given at the event, including $100 to the student with the most acceptances.

“This is always an exciting time for Lynwood Unified and our students,” Superintendent Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite said. “It’s incredible to have the opportunity to host events such as the HBCU Caravan and watch a world of opportunities open up for students, and I’m excited to see all that they accomplish as they enter college and their careers.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

LUSD_CARAVAN_1: African American Parent Advisory Council student representative Latwila Castillo receives an on-the-spot acceptance to Virginia University of Lynchburg at the HBCU Caravan on Jan. 23.

LUSD_CARAVAN_2: Lynwood High School students have a meet-and-greet with Fort Valley State University at the HBCU Caravan on Jan. 23.

LUSD_CARAVAN_3: Lynwood High School Student Hayley Freeman receives a certificate of acceptance from Claflin University at the HBCU Caravan event on Jan. 23.