Celebrating HBCU Week: EEF and Jack and Jill of America Empower Students with College Tour

GAINESVILLE, FL (EEF News): In honor of HBCU Week, let’s celebrate a moment when The Education Equalizer Foundation (EEF) and the Jack and Jill of America Pensacola Chapter joined forces to inspire the next generation of college-bound students. This partnership resulted in a College Empowerment Tour, providing middle and high school students with a unique opportunity to explore higher education pathways at three prominent universities, including Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

The tour kicked off early with an exciting start as students departed Pensacola to visit Florida State University (FSU). At FSU, they received a warm welcome, explored the campus, and dined alongside current students at the Seminole Cafe, giving them a taste of college life. The journey continued to the historic Florida A&M University, where the group spent an afternoon immersing themselves in the vibrant HBCU atmosphere. Dinner at the FAMU Student Service Center allowed them to further connect with the campus community and learn about FAMU’s rich heritage.

The next day, the group headed to the University of Florida (UF), where they were greeted by EEF Intern Juan Osorio and EEF Board Member Dr. Sharon Austin. Here, they had lunch, toured the campus, and attended an African American Studies class led by Dr. Rik Stevenson. This experience was enriched by discussions on college life, study abroad opportunities, and insights from Dr. David Canton, the African American Studies Program Director at UF. Vice President of the Jack and Jill of America Gainesville Chapter, Pamela Davis, also joined, congratulating the students and providing them with treat bags.

Participants of the tour expressed high levels of enthusiasm and gratitude, highlighting the impact of the classroom visits and college presentations. One student remarked, “Loved having the classroom visit and presentations. I wouldn’t change anything!” New supporters echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for the youth. The event left a lasting impression, with requests for more tours to FAMU and similar institutions, underscoring the tour’s success in fostering a spirit of learning and exploration.

This College Empowerment Tour exemplifies the commitment of EEF and the Jack and Jill of America Pensacola Chapter to empower and inspire the next generation of scholars, particularly through exposure to HBCUs like FAMU. During HBCU Week, we celebrate these moments of connection and growth, reinforcing the vital role of HBCUs in shaping future leaders.

For more details on this impactful journey, check out the full article here.

About The Education Equalizer Foundation

The Education Equalizer Foundation empowers middle—through high school students and their families on the path to higher education. The college admittance process can be daunting and complex, particularly for scholars from underserved backgrounds. Our mission is to demystify this process and provide students with the necessary tools to gain admission and graduate successfully.

Thank you to the following organizations for sponsoring The Education Equalizer Foundation.