Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan Returns to BC!

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

By Deanna Rea

Last week, the Bakersfield College Panorama campus hosted an exciting event that brought together over twenty renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The event connected students with university representatives, offering the invaluable opportunity to explore a variety of academic programs, scholarships, and campus life at some of the best academic institutions in the nation.

Held inside the Renegade Event Center, the room was brimming with excitement and curiosity as students mingled with college representatives, eager to discover new opportunities and learn about the diverse academic paths ahead of them. Several colleges and universities from around the country were present including Fayetteville State University, Southern University, Fort Valley State University, Edward Waters, Alabama State University, Claflin University, and many more.

One representative from Alabama State University shared that she had engaged with a considerable number of students at their information booth, and she shared how excited she was to talk with them about admission costs, programs, majors, and more. What surprised her the most, however, was the students' enthusiasm for internship opportunities. “An event like this is important just because of exposure,” she said. “There are so many different universities out here, and so many unique opportunities. It gives many students the chance to leave home and grow as an individual.”

It was exciting to have the HBCU Caravan return to Bakersfield College. More than 200 BC and local high school students attended, with 121 students getting acceptance confirmation during the event. Several students also received scholarships, with more than $3,000,000 granted to BC students.