Black College Fair: Explore the HBCU Option comes to Pomona

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 24, 2012 -- There are 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (H.B.C.U.) across the nation. Institutes of higher learning that vary in campus size, enrollment, disciplines, and activities. None of them are in California. The mission of the black college fair is to bring the colleges to the students giving them the opportunity to explore the option of an H.B.C.U. education.

Friday, February 17, Primm Tabernacle AME Church, where Pastor Alvin Smith leads the church that is over a century old, will open it’s doors to the community having invited 105 H.B.C.U.s, eight national fraternity and sorority and several community college bound and/or college preparatory organizations to share what unique opportunities await them if they choose the black college option.

“California has a lot of colleges,” Mia Lee, parent and volunteer of the Black College Fair explains. “Our high school guidance counselors focus on Cal State and UC campuses but there are so many other options. Private schools, out of state schools, and H.B.C.U.s that offer alternatives – smaller class sizes, athletic and music programs and academic scholarships -- it is important that we explore every opportunity for our children’s success.”

Historically, black colleges gained popularity after the second Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1890 specified that states using federal land-grant funds must either make their schools open to both blacks and whites or allocate money for segregated black colleges to serve as an alternative to white schools. Nearly fifty years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 over 100 H.B.C.U.s remain and so do their advantages. A study done by Virginia Tech researchers showed black men earn more over their lifetimes when they attend a historically black four-year college or university instead of a majority white institution.

Other advantages of attending a black college include:
• Lower Tuition and Greater Financial Aid Awards than Predominantly White Institutions.
• Higher Retention and Graduation Rates
• Students are more likely to pursue an education in science, engineering or business.

Though no longer the only option for African American students seeking a college education, H.B.C.U.s remain an option for a quality education. Primm Tabernacle AME Church invites you to explore this option.

Primm Tabernacle AME Church originally located at 10th and Thomas in Pomona in 1908 moved to its current location, 1938 S. Towne Ave., Pomona, CA 91766. Sunday services are held at 10:00. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and the office phone number is 909-627-0818.

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