HBCU ORIGINAL
Your Guide to Applying to HBCUs: Tips and Insights
Applying to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can be an exciting yet daunting process. Understanding the application requirements and deadlines is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful application experience.
1. Research and Choose the Right HBCU With over 100 HBCUs to choose from, it’s important to find the one that aligns with your academic goals, interests, and values. Consider factors such as location, campus culture, available majors, and financial aid opportunities. Visiting campuses and attending virtual tours can also provide valuable insights.
2. Understand the Application Requirements Each HBCU may have different application requirements, but most will require the following:
- Completed application form
- High school transcripts
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
Be sure to check the specific requirements for each HBCU you are applying to and adhere to their deadlines.
3. Highlight Your Unique Qualities HBCUs value diversity and individuality. Use your personal statement or essay to showcase your unique experiences, achievements, and aspirations. Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service. This is your chance to demonstrate why you would be a valuable addition to the HBCU community.
4. Seek Financial Aid and Scholarships Many HBCUs offer generous financial aid packages and scholarships. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early and explore scholarship opportunities specific to HBCUs. Contact the financial aid offices of the schools you are interested in to inquire about available resources.
Conclusion Navigating the HBCU application process requires careful planning and preparation. By researching your options, understanding the requirements, and showcasing your unique qualities, you can increase your chances of being admitted to an HBCU that will help you achieve your academic and personal goals.
With the 2024 election season heating up, the Harris-Walz campaign is hitting the road with a dynamic new strategy aimed at mobilizing young Black voters. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have officially launched their Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Homecoming Tour, targeting pivotal battleground states ahead of election day.
Connecting with Gen-Z and Millennials at HBCUs
As the race for the White House narrows with less than 40 days to go, Harris and her opponent, Donald Trump, are aggressively working to win over undecided voters, particularly in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nevada. Both candidates understand the growing influence of Gen-Z and millennial voters, especially within the Black community. This group has shown an increased level of engagement in the 2024 election, with voters under 35 making up 81% of new registrations on National Voter Registration Day, according to Vote.gov.
The Importance of HBCU Homecomings
HBCU homecomings are much more than just football games and reunions – they are powerful cultural celebrations that honor the history, heritage, and academic achievements of Black Americans. For many, these events are a reflection of the progress made in education and civil rights, and they provide a perfect backdrop for political outreach.
Homecoming season draws thousands of current students, alumni, and families to campus for a series of events. Harris and Walz are tapping into this unique energy by visiting some of the most prominent HBCUs across the nation, beginning with Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in North Carolina on September 28, where they hosted a tailgate for the WSSU vs. Bowie State University game. Despite the challenges caused by Hurricane Helene, the event brought together students and supporters alike.
Key Tour Stops and Special Moments
A particularly significant stop on the tour will be Howard University, Harris’ alma mater. As a proud graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Harris will join in celebrating Howard’s 100th homecoming on October 19. This historic occasion is set to be a memorable one, with thousands of alumni expected to attend and the Vice President herself leading the charge.
The campaign will wrap up in Georgia with stops at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, where Harris and Walz aim to energize young voters ahead of election day.
Tour Schedule
Here’s a look at the current schedule for the Harris-Walz HBCU Homecoming Tour:
- Sept. 28 – Winston-Salem State University
- Oct. 12 – Lincoln University
- Oct. 12 – Virginia State University
- Oct. 19 – Howard University
- Oct. 19 – North Carolina A&T State University
- Oct. 19 – Clark Atlanta University
- Oct. 26 – Morehouse College
- Oct. 26 – Spelman College
More campus visits may be announced in the coming days as the campaign continues its efforts to engage and mobilize voters.
Why This Matters
The Harris-Walz HBCU Homecoming Tour isn’t just about political rallies – it’s about recognizing the significance of these educational institutions in shaping Black leaders of tomorrow. By connecting with students and alumni, the campaign is making a concerted effort to address the issues that matter most to young Black voters, from education and healthcare to civil rights and economic justice.
Stay tuned for more updates from the tour as Harris and Walz continue their journey through HBCU campuses, rallying voters to make their voices heard in this pivotal election.
Events
President Biden Announces $1.3 Billion Investment into HBCUs at 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA —
President Joe Biden made a historic announcement at the 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, unveiling an additional $1.3 billion investment into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The President addressed an enthusiastic crowd at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where he highlighted his administration’s record-breaking support for HBCUs, bringing the total investment to $17 billion since 2021.
“In just four years, working with HBCU leaders, we’re making the most significant investment in Black America ever in American history,” Biden declared to a wave of applause. The new funding will include federal grants to help eight HBCUs expand their efforts to diversify the STEM and education workforce, marking a major step forward in elevating these institutions’ contributions to the nation’s future.
Dietra Trent, Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, also underscored the importance of this commitment, stating, “We have never had this kind of investment before.”
HBCU alumni in attendance, like Cheney University graduate Antoine Mapp, expressed their excitement: “We’re finally getting the recognition and funding that we deserve and desperately needed.”
Biden’s remarks also touched on the urgency of protecting democracy, condemning political violence and referencing a recent apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The President closed his speech with a hopeful nod to Vice President Kamala Harris, an HBCU alumna, encouraging voters to support her potential presidential candidacy.
With this unprecedented funding, President Biden is ensuring HBCUs remain a cornerstone of educational excellence and opportunity for generations to come.
|
Set 1
|
Set 2
|
Set 3
|
Final
|
|
|
SUNO
|
25
|
26
|
25
|
3
|
|
Wiley
|
17
|
24
|
20
|
0
|
SUNO (1-9, 1-2)
Wiley (0-7, 0-4)
- Freshman Uriah Larry led the team with 7 kills and 4 solo blocks along with sophomore Alaina Obianozie who had 7 kills and 3 blocks.
- Freshman Trinity Bloodworth led the game with 13 assists
- Sophomore A’Lon Clark added 12 assists
- Sophomore Armoni Harris led the team with 11 digs
HBCU ORIGINAL
Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win
Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win
Bowie, MD – In a game dominated by defense, the Davenport Panthers narrowly escaped with a 17-14 victory over the HBCU Bowie State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. The win moves Davenport to 2-0 on the season and improves their record against the Bulldogs to 2 0.
The Panther’s first score on their second drive came off Brandon Gielow‘s foot when he successfully drilled a 42-yard field goal to give DU the first lead of the game, 3-0. From there, Davenport would control the momentum of the game when, in the second quarter, Mike O’Horo connected with Preston Smith on a fade route in the back of the end zone for the touchdown, making it 10-0.
Bowie State would respond 2 minutes before the half late in the second quarter. After a crucial stop by the Bowie Defense, Kevin Taylor‘s 11-yard drive would cap off an eight-yard touchdown pass to Awesome Waller, Jr., bringing the score to 10-7. However, Davenport struck back right before halftime when O’Horo found Antjuan Collins near the three-yard line, and after a quick juke, Collins took it into the end zone to give the Panthers a 17-7 lead at halftime.
The second half became a defensive showdown, with both teams struggling to capitalize on long drives. Bowie State finally broke through at the start of the fourth quarter when Taylor launched a 30-yard touchdown pass to Antwain Banks, who debuted for the Bulldogs after transferring from Lincoln University. This score narrowed the deficit to 17-14 and gave Bowie State hope for a comeback.
Why Antwain Banks’ Impact and the Story Is Important.
As a Maryland high school standout at quarterback, Bank was a dynamic quarterback at Edgewood High School in Edgewood, Maryland. Despite his success as a state leader in high school, college programs didn’t know what to do with him, leaving him under-recruited and without offers until just before graduation, when Frostburg University extended an offer to play quarterback. Ironically, he only played quarterback in high school after the starting QB transferred in the middle of his junior year at Edgewood. As the most dynamic athlete on the field, initially playing slot receiver, he stepped into the quarterback role because there were no other viable options. He took on the challenge, hoping colleges would recognize how explosive and versatile he was with the ball in his hands.
Despite his remarkable stats as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for over 4,000 yards and 46 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons, he led the state in rushing both years, ranking first in touchdowns his junior year and finishing second in touchdowns his senior year.
High School Honors:
- 1st in state for scoring & touchdowns (26) in 2018
- 2nd in state rushing (131 ATT | 1,686 YDS) in 2018
- 5th in state total yards (2,498) in 2018
- 1st in the 3A division for total yards in 2018
- 1st in 3A rushing (126 ATT | 1,544 YDS) in 2017
- 1st in 3A division touchdowns (20) in 2017
- 1st in 3A division total yards (2,629) in 2017
- All-Metro mention, All-Conference, and All-County
Collegiate Honors:
- Dean’s List with a 3.8 GPA in 2022
- All-Academic Team with a 3.38 GPA in the 2023 slot as a redshirt freshman receiver
After redshirting at Frostburg, he transitioned to slot receiver at HBCU Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Earning a starting position at Lincoln, he soon realized he could better showcase his talents in a more competitive program. This led him to transfer to Bowie State during his sophomore redshirt to pursue a starting role. Banks’ journey to Bowie State is one of perseverance as an under-recruited athlete out of high school. His performance on Saturday—two catches for 57 yards and a touchdown—showed the value of athletes who may have been overlooked but possess the talent to make an impact.
Banks’ story mirrors that of his cousin, Deonte Banks, who also faced limited recruiting opportunities before earning a late scholarship offer from the University of Maryland. Deonte would be a first-round draft pick for the New York Giants, proving that under-recruited athletes can defy expectations when given the chance. Athletes like Antwain Banks are often overlooked by major programs due to their lack of star ratings and limited visibility in their high school markets, often because they come from more rural areas. Factors like a lack of recruiting networks among coaches and outdated recruitment philosophies also contribute to their underexposure. With the rise of social media, some recruiting budgets are being cut as recruiters rely more on online data. Colleges now prefer athletes to come to them through unofficial visits, mega camps, junior days, and game day experiences rather than actively scouting them in person.
Antwain demonstrated talent and knows no ranking. These athletes find ways to contribute at all levels of college football, often walking on or transferring to programs where they can showcase their skills. The Under Recruited Athlete platform exists to highlight these stories, ensuring that athletes with similar paths to Banks have opportunities to be seen and scouted by college programs.
Bowie State showed resilience and heart despite the loss, especially from players like Antwain Banks, whose story embodies the spirit of underrecruited athletes across the country. As college programs look to strengthen their rosters, Banks’ performance is a reminder of the untapped potential in athletes who may not have received high recruiting attention but are fully capable of impacting the field.
Harris-Walz Campaign Kicks Off HBCU Homecoming Tour to Engage Black Voters
President Biden Announces $1.3 Billion Investment into HBCUs at 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia
Knights Volleyball Sweeps Wiley for First Conference Win
Discovering Heritage and Excellence: A Journey through Delaware State University’s Iconic Campus
Embracing Tradition and Innovation: A Tour of Lincoln University’s Historic Campus
A Journey through Morgan State University’s Storied Campus
Rachel Naughton of Ballin’ HBCU Talks Basketball, Athletes and Coaching with HBCU Original
“Meet Shayna Jones: HBCU Grad & Author of Haymer University Digital Comic Book!”
Unveiling Heritage and Excellence: Exploring Virginia State University’s Timeless Campus
-
Campus7 months agoDiscovering Heritage and Excellence: A Journey through Delaware State University’s Iconic Campus
-
Campus7 months agoEmbracing Tradition and Innovation: A Tour of Lincoln University’s Historic Campus
-
Campus7 months agoA Journey through Morgan State University’s Storied Campus
-
HBCU ORIGINAL6 months agoExploring Excellence: A Journey Through Bowie State University’s Historic Campus
-
Campus7 months agoA Day in the Life: Exploring Campus Culture at HBCUs
-
Campus6 months agoCoppin State University’s Historic Campus
-
Events7 months agoBiden campaign working to turn its HBCU support into electoral support
-
Campus5 months agoUnveiling Heritage and Excellence: Exploring Virginia State University’s Timeless Campus