2025 HBCU Experience
College & Cultural Tour
Although some students are aware of the fact that Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) exist, most are not aware of the wealthy heritage of these institutions, the success rate of their graduates and the contributions they have made to the world, or the tremendous amounts of self-esteem and cultural pride that’s instilled during the learning process. By making the HBCU’s the focus of the College & Cultural Tour, students will have an opportunity to see themselves actualizing their dreams through the lives of the college students.
The Akron Rites of Passage Institute (AROPI) is extending you/your organization an invitation to participate in an amazing opportunity to Sponsor local high school students to attend the 2025 AROPI HBCU Experience. September kicks off The Experience at the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic in Canton, Ohio where Miles College will battle it out with Virginia Union University. They will enjoy a fun filled action pack battle between the football teams, the marching bands and so much more.
In October, students will continue The Experience visiting HBCU’s on the College & Cultural Tour in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. This tour will include a visits to Central State University, Wilberforce University, Kentucky State University, Fisk University, Tennessee State and Meherry Medical College. While on tour, students will have an opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical landmarks. The tour will include stops at The Nation Underground Railroad Museum, The National Museum of African American Music, The Best of Nashville sight-seeing from a double decker tour bus, as well as TSU’s Homecoming!
Although some students are aware of the fact that Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) exist, most are not aware of the
wealthy heritage of these institutions, the success rate of their graduates and the contributions they have made to the world, or the tremendous amounts of self-esteem and cultural pride that’s instilled during the learning process.
The Akron Rites of Passage Institute (AROPI) is extending an invitation to area high school students, parents and friends to participate in AROPI’s 3nd Annual HBCU Experience.
The Experience culminates November 20–22, 2025 at Destination HBCU College Fair, Cleveland, OH where students, with one application, can apply to all of the 50 plus HBCU’s present at the event.
Attendees will have the chance to explore diverse academic programs, speak directly with admissions representatives, and even apply to multiple colleges on the spot—simplifying the application process and saving time. Whether you’re a high school student, transfer student, or parent seeking the best educational opportunities, this fair is the perfect place to discover your future at an HBCU. Don’t miss out on this transformative experience!
• GOAL 1: Increase college enrollment in under-served and under-represented populations of the community.
• GOAL 2: Educate the community about the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
• GOAL 3: Allow participants to become familiar with a variety of financial aid programs and educational resources.
• GOAL 4: Connect post-secondary options to a student’s career, internships, vocational interests and opportunities.
• GOAL 5: Provide relevant programming that showcases student achievement, talents, and philanthropy.
The HBCU Experience is an opportunity of a lifetime for students and families.Union
For Information on the Event:
Contact Terrence D. Shelton
Phone No: (330) 573-2774
Email: hbcu@akronritesofpassageinstitute.org