10/23/2009: "Black College Expo 2009 Reception"

Senator Shirley L. Huntley along with Thersesa Price, CEO of the "BLACK COLLEGE EXPO" (5th from left) presented certificates to four of her summer Interns at the Black College Expo's reception honoring our "Future Leaders". The ceremony was held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on Friday, October 23rd.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Rachel Ortega / rachel@thecollegexpo.org / (877) 427-4100

SENATOR SHIRLEY L. HUNTLEY WELCOMES

THE BLACK COLLEGE EXPO RETURN TO NEW YORK

Making the Dream of Going to College a Reality in a Tough Economy

Serving Underrepresented Youth with Assistance to College, Scholarships, Careers & More

Diamond Bar, Calif., July 30, 2009 - New York State Senator Shirley L. Huntley Welcomes the Black College Expo return to New York for its third year. The expo will take place on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, with an after-show from 4-6 p.m. The mission this year is to provide even more resources and on the spot admissions to colleges and scholarships in a time when education is vital from the White House to the streets. One of the main seminar topics will be “How to find money for College”, in which one of the presenters and collaborative partners Jessica Johnson, who received over $200,000 in scholarships for herself when she attend Howard University will share the secret. BCE and The Scholarship Academy have been responsible for close to 3 million dollars in scholarships to students. Students will meet with various colleges, including 30+ historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Industry representatives will also be actively recruiting students for internship and career opportunities. 

The Black College Expo and its non-profit arm, National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), is a full service student and parent outreach program geared towards underrepresented youth and their families to curtail the high school drop out rate (currently at 30.1% nationally, according to EPE Research Center 2008) and to increase the college graduation rate among underrepresented and underserved groups.

The organization provides services which connect students directly to colleges; scholarships; offers tutorial support; assisting student athletes secure athletic scholarships; and connect students to internship and career opportunities. Some high school seniors, who bring their transcripts and test scores, may possibly be accepted on the spot at one of the participating colleges. “Our goal is to do all we can to make college a reality for more of our youth and guide them toward positive career choices,” says Founder, Theresa Price.

The day’s events culminate with scholarship presentations to deserving students, a KFC step-show & dance competition and surprise celebrity guests. Senator Huntley will be on hand to present scholarship awards. “I am excited to take part in such a valuable event that helps so many of our young people pursue their dreams of going to college”, says Huntley.

The Black College Expo, visits five to seven cities annually including Los Angeles, Oakland, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston Washington, D.C and New York, now in its tenth year, has helped to increase college enrollment tremendously, in some cases by as much as 50% at some HBCUs.

National sponsors for the 2009 TCE include: Wells Fargo, KFC, Internal Revenue Service, Southern California Edison, Nix Check Cashing, Los Angeles Community Colleges, Universal Music, Capitol Records, Black Enterprise, Upscale Magazine, Union Bank, CVS/pharmacy, Fox Sports and Safeway.

For additional information about the BCE, tickets, scholarship program, or exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, please contact our corporate offices at: (877) 427-4100 or please visit our website at: www.thecollegeexpo.org.