April 15, 2025 -- Current college students from across the country—including several proud CCS alumni—gathered to talk with our high school students about the rich legacy and lasting benefits of attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This year’s event marked the 6th Annual HBCU Experience, and it was our biggest yet—welcoming nearly 800 students from across the district and featuring 22 different HBCUs.

The event was both educational and fun, providing students with access to college readiness tools, panel discussions, green screen video creation, gamification activations in STEM fields, and authentic stories from current HBCU students and graduates. It empowered students to explore opportunities aligned with their academic and personal goals while celebrating history and legacy.

We are deeply grateful to the Columbus Metropolitan Library for opening your doors and hosting us in your beautiful space. Sincere thanks also go to City of Grace and the CBUS Faith-based Collaborative for bringing this opportunity to our district. We’re also thankful to the Delta Foundation of Greater Columbus for your generous grant that helped make this event possible.

Special thanks to all of our incredible internal CCS departments and teams who supported this effort. Your collaboration, coordination, and commitment to excellence are what make this event successful year after year. Your partnership is the reason this districtwide initiative continues to thrive.

This experience supports our district’s Strategic Priorities:

• Cultivate the Whole Child: By offering safe, engaging environments where students feel connected, supported, and inspired.
• Amplify Community Voices: By bringing together community stakeholders, HBCU representatives, and families to expand pathways and possibilities for our students.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:

Columbus City Schools, The Twin Rivers (OH) Chapter of The Links Inc., Columbus City Council, City of Grace, The CBUS Faith-based Collaborative, Delta Foundation of Greater Columbus, GetCR8V, I Know I Can, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Columbus Education Association, The African American Leadership Academy, CBUS HBCU Ambassadors, and Columbus Africentric Early College.

Together, we’re building bright futures—one student at a time.