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 2nd Annual HBCU Experience.

September kicks off The Experience at the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic in Canton, Ohio Labor Day weekend where Virgina State University will battle it out with Benedict College. You will enjoy a fun filled action pack battle between the football teams, the marching bands, concerts, parties and so much more.

In October, students will continue The Experience visiting HBCU’s in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, DC on the College & Cultural Tour.
This will include visit Lincoln (PA), Bowie State (MD), Coppin State (MD), Morgan State (MD) and Howard (DC) Universities. While on tour, students will have an opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical landmarks in Baltimore and Washington, DC. The tour will include stops at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Benjamin Banneker farm, Fredrick Douglas Museum, National Museum of African American History, the White House, Martin Luther King Jr.’s monument and several other historical and fun sites. 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.

During this enlightening tour, students will be presented with invaluable opportunities to delve into the wealth of cultural and historical landmarks across the cities they visit. The Annual HBCU College and Cultural Tour Experience is thoughtfully designed to elevate the participant’s aspirations and kindle an enduring flame of hope for their future endeavors. Rest assured, this transformative journey is bound to leave an indelible mark, inspiring each student to reach new heights of possibility and potential.

The Experience culminates in November 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.

• 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.