Black Student Union (BSU) scholars took part in The Black College Expo on February 8th, at BayView Baptist Church, around Southeast San Diego. Ms. Cobbs, counselor, and Ms. Majors, 10th grade English teacher, who both serve as supervisors for BSU, chaperoned the event.
At the expo, attendees were able to meet with over 50 colleges, earn scholarships, waive application fees, attend seminars, listen to surprise celebrity guests, win cash prizes, and participate in an opportunity to win scholarships, and even receive college acceptances.
“I learned a lot more about black-led colleges and I met a lot of great people there. I had the opportunity to go around to HBCUs and different colleges that were catered towards African Americans, as African -Americans are underrepresented in the college area,” stated Yentefanta Hailemariam (‘26).
The Black College Expo provided students all around San Diego with an opportunity to explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities( HBCUs) and their requirements to attend. The program has expanded since Preuss last attended this expo, now including branches of the military and other colleges that are predominantly white institutions (PWI).
Many other schools all over San Diego, such as Helix High School, Lincoln High School, Morse High School, Grossmont High School, and more from the San Diego Unified School District also attended.
Preuss is a college preparatory school; therefore this is one of many ways Preuss equips their scholars with the opportunities they need in order to succeed. Preuss provides scholars with the opportunity to learn about HBCUs, which help scholars’ futures.
HBCUs were created and formed out of necessity, and in consideration of the different challenges that students of color face in the educational school systems. Preuss students are occasionally prevented from attending HBCUs due to financial issues as private institutions would usually charge out-of-state tuition which is higher than in-state tuition. Students that attended the expo learned that the institution will help and match students’ financial aid, lowering the cost of college tuition, so that more students can see HBCUs as a possible college to attend.
Many Preuss students believe that BSU and this Black College Expo is only for students of color, but many students in attendance were from a variety of ethnicities. BSU is not only for students of color, anyone can attend meetings every Thursday during High School lunch in E101.
“BSU stands for black students union and it is a safe place on campus where we encourage awareness and excellence. We hope to help our black population thrive here at Preuss,” explains the head chair of BSU Maryamawet Debele (24’).
“The club hopes to have a positive impact on members and their identity. This is also a space to make friendships and to support our students in building their resumes.”
