By Elizabetta Orsi

Each year, thousands of students across Los Angeles gather for the annual Black College Expo, a dynamic event designed to connect young Black scholars with opportunities for higher education. On February 1, Granada Hills Charter’s Black Student Union (BSU) took students to the annual Black College Expo, an event designed to connect high schoolers with colleges, scholarships, and career opportunities.

BSU attends this field trip every February, ensuring that 30 to 50 students can attend by coordinating school bus transportation and providing lunches.

Held at SoFi stadium, the expo featured representatives from a wide range of schools, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), University of California campuses, and also military and summer programs.

The move to SoFi Stadium from the Los Angeles Convention Center marked a significant milestone for the expo itself, representing its expansion and increasing influence in providing college access to students across the Los Angeles area. The larger venue allowed for more colleges, scholarship organizations, and career programs to participate. The expo also offered on the spot interviews and acceptances.

“It was amazing to see students excited about their futures in college,” history teacher and club advisor Wynter Williams-Adams said. “While we were there, two students were even accepted on the spot. The Black College Expo is an invaluable experience for students, especially Black high schoolers, who are exploring their college access.”

In addition to academic and career opportunities, the expo also featured a variety of Black-owned businesses and vendors through a collaboration with “Black on the Block,” a platform designed to connect Black-owned businesses, creators, and professionals. This partnership brought a diverse range of Black entrepreneurs to the event, providing students with not only academic opportunities, but also an exposure to Black excellence in business and the arts.

The event also included a DJ, creating a fun and upbeat atmosphere that allowed students to enjoy themselves and the experience. The balance between academics and enjoyment highlighted that college isn’t only based on applications and deadlines, but it is also about community, culture, and personal growth.

“One moment that really stood out to me was when a DJ began playing the Cupid Shuffle and roughly 50 people joined in to dance to it,” senior and BSU president Rachel Rogers said, “I say this because this is an example on how students don’t have to take in stress all the time while navigating their journey into college, especially in the atmosphere that the expo creates.”

The event also hosted a Battle of the Bands including marching bands from colleges including Alabama State University, Hampton University, and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, sponsored by Honda.

Beyond the excitement, the expo provided students with the opportunity to visualize their futures. College representatives shared personal experiences about their respective institutions, helping students understand what to expect and how to prepare for higher education.

“Having visual exposure to opportunities all in one spot get’s students in the mindset of thinking about their next steps in life,” Rogers said.

Thanks to BSU’s continued efforts, the Black College Expo remains a valuable experience for GHC students. Student’s interested in attending next year’s expo can keep an eye out for announcements in the College and Career weekly newsletter.