Wilmington’s 6th Annual HBCU Week and College Fair

HBCU’s have admitted over 3,500 local students and awarded over $23 million in scholarships. In addition, this year, a $10,000 Mike Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship will be awarded to a Wilmington student.

Wilmington’s HBCU ambassador, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, and Mayor Mike Purzycki have announced details of Wilmington’s HBCU Week to be held Wednesday, September 21st through Sunday September 25th.

The City of Wilmington is the title sponsor of the week and the exclusive HBCU Sponsor is Delaware State University. 25 HBCU’s and 10 corporations will participate in this years events, mainly in discussions with students about admissions, internships, and scholarships. New this year is the Mike Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship which will award $10,000 to a Wilmington student who is headed to an HBCU for their education. Applications for the Changemaker Scholarship open September 23. To apply and review qualifications visit www.HBCUWeek.org.

Ashley Christopher, Esq. (Achristopher@hbcuweek.org) launched HBCU week in 2017 to expose high school students to the opportunities and history associated with HBCU’s. Since then, participating HBCUs have responded by granting over 3,500 admission opportunities to local students and awarding over $23 million in scholarships.

Mayor Purzycki shared thoughts on the progress of this initiative, saying “Each year we’ve expanded the program to include a concert, panel discussions, the HBCU Battle of the Bands, and – the highlight of the week – an HBCU College Fair that has continued to grow since its launch in 2017. Stephen A. Smith and Earvin “Magic” Johnson brought national prominence to HBCU Week in 2019, for which we will be forever grateful. Now in our 6^th year, I am especially proud and privileged to be able to offer a new $10,000 Changemaker Scholarship to a student from Wilmington who has committed to an HBCU. HBCU Week 2022 promises to be a special event, and I can’t wait for our young people to learn about all of the possibilities and opportunities that HBCUs have to offer them.”

This year’s HBCU Week Schedule is presented below. For more information, tickets, or to register for any event, visit www.HBCUWeek.org. 

HBCU Week: September 21^st – September 25^th, 2022

Wednesday, September 21^st

• Event – HBCU Happy Hour
  • Location – DECO Wilmington, 111 West 10^th Street
  • Time – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Event – Hip Hop and R&B Concert featuring Fabolous and Mya
  • Location – The Queen, 500 North Market Street
  • Time – 8 p.m. (Doors open 7 p.m.)

Thursday, September 22^nd

• Event – DSU Middle School College Tour
  • Location – Delaware State University, 1200 North Dupont Highway, Dover
  • Time – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Event – “My HBCU Experience” Panel Discussion
  • Location – The Queen, 500 North Market Street
  • Time – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 23^rd

• Event – HBCU College Fair*
  • Location – The Chase Fieldhouse, 401 Garasches Lane
  • Time – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Participating Colleges and Universities:  

Alabama A&M University; American Baptist College; Benedict College; Bethune Cookman University; Bowie State University; Cheyney University; Clark Atlanta University; Clinton College; Coppin State University; Delaware State University; Hampton University; Howard University; Spelman College; Lane College; Lincoln University (PA); Livingstone College; Morgan State University; North Carolina A&T; Southern University and A&M; St. Augustine’s University; Tougaloo College; University of DC; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Virginia State University; Voorhees University; West Virginia State University

• Event – Comedy Show
  • Location – The Queen, 500 North Market Street
  • Time – 8 p.m. (Doors open 7 p.m.)

Saturday, September 24^th

• Event – HBCU Block Party
  • Location –10^th Street between Market and Orange streets
  • Time – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, September 25^th

• Event – HBCU Battle of the Bands, featuring Howard University, Virginia State University, and Delaware State University
  • Location – Frawley Stadium, 801 Shipyard Drive
  • Time – 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Gates open at 12:30 p.m.)

_{*Since its inception in 2017, the College Fair has resulted in more than 3,500 on-the-spot college acceptances and more than $23 million in scholarships awarded by HBCUs and corporate partners.}

Full list of HBCU Week 2022 Sponsors

Title Sponsor: The City of Wilmington

Major Sponsor: Salesforce

Signature Sponsor: FOSSI

Exclusive HBCU Sponsor: Delaware State UniversityParticipating Sponsors: Capital One, Bank of America, AstraZeneca, Barclays, Wells Fargo, Dupont, AmeriHealth Caritas

Read more WilmToday blogs by clicking here.