Hundreds of area high school students visited TCC Trinity River on Oct. 25, for a college fair to speak with recruiters from more than 40 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) from across the country. During the event recruiters met with students and shared what their institutions could offer.
Dillard University, based in New Orleans, La., was one of the schools represented. “The event allows students in the DFW area to be exposed to the things Dillard University has to offer,” said Monica White, Dillard University’s director of recruitment, admissions, and programming. Acceptance rates at Dillard University from 2016-2017 were 39.4 percent. The university also requires a score of 18 on the ACT or a score of 960 on the SAT, along with a GPA of 2.5.
At college fairs, recruiters provide important information on financial aid, tuition, opportunities and majors. Many colleges will offer special programs in assisting students with enrollment. At LeMoyne-Owen College, students who do not meet the 2.0 GPA and 17 ACT minimum score are given the option to enroll in development courses.
Among the opportunities provided by the colleges were a handful of scholarships. “I received a full ride to Wilberforce University due to my SAT scores,” said Jorge Martinez, a student at the Young Men’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth. Other colleges, such as Jarvis Christian College and Dillard University, offered merit-based scholarships and provide students who have a 3.0 GPA or higher with scholarships.
Triniti Williams, who heard about the event through her school, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, said Dillard University and Tuskegee University spiked her interest. “I heard they both have really good psychology programs,” said Williams.
The next HBCU college fair is scheduled for fall of 2020. For more information on the 2020 fall fair, contact the Trinity River Transfer Center at TR.Transfer@tccd.edu.