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HBCU Spotlight
The letters “HBCU” are an acronym for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. They are institutions of higher education that were founded on the belief that every individual deserves access to a college education in the early 1800s when Black people were not allowed to attend white colleges and universities, which are referred to as "PWIs" Predominately White Institutions. Over 100 public and private schools have earned the HBCU designation from The US Department of Education. Here is a list of all HBCUs by state.
Today, although it is outlawed to deny a student access to a school on the basis of race, HBCUs have uniquely rich histories and cultures that aim to uplift Black people. There is really no place on earth like an HBCU.
Read about Maya H.'s experiences at Spelman College, an all women's Historically Black College located in Atlanta, Georgia.
My HBCU Experience
By Maya H.
Spelman College Class of 2022
Before knowing that I would attend the illustrious Spelman College, my first choice was the University of Georgia (UGA). I wanted to go to this school because my high school was predominantly black, and I wanted to relocate to another city for a new experience outside of Atlanta, GA, where I reside. UGA was also cheaper than Spelman, and many people are aware that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) typically underfund their students attending the school. The director of the Bonner Scholars Program Office at Spelman College blessed me with the opportunity to attend the school for little to nothing coming out of pocket. So, of course, I took the chance and enjoyed my two years at Spelman so far. Looking back, I am proud to attend an HBCU because I could not picture myself anywhere else.
But what is an HBCU experience? My experience at an HBCU has allowed me to find brothers and sisters for a lifetime. The people in my life now are some I can't see myself living without in the future. My HBCU experience is yelling "HEY SPELMAN SISTER" to a girl that I see at the airport. My school has taught me so much about the intersectionality of black women and how we do not have to belittle ourselves to make those around us feel comfortable. Spelman shows women how to be felt when they walk in a room, and this has amplified my self-confidence since I've been in college. Joining campus programs allowed me to connect with people who have similar goals and aspirations as me. Therefore, I found people in my career field and expounded on my knowledge in different subjects. I also had the opportunity to join the cheer team at Morehouse College (Spelman's adopted brother school), which has been a meaningful experience. Campus events, parties, and HOMECOMING are events you cannot get anywhere else, and there is nothing better than a Spelhouse Homecoming. However, you would have to see it to believe it. I am also in love with the faculty at Spelman! There is always someone there to help regarding community service, classes, study abroad, financial aid, or personal issues (it just depends on your vulnerability). Gaining exposure to HBCUs is challenging and ultimately humbling because of the environment, but I have learned a lot about myself. I thank Spelman for it.
As stated in the HBCU experience, I have the opportunity of being in the Bonner Scholars Program at Spelman College. This program financially aids me in attending school for little to almost nothing. However, I still have to apply for scholarships to account for money that is not covered through the program. During the first year of college, I had a lot of scholarships from my high school alumni fund. To combat the difficulty in funding, I think it is crucial to budget exactly what you need for each section of the cost of attendance at your school and do a scholarship for each. Be sure to utilize all small scholarships as well because they add up! It is vital to talk to your counselor or college advisor about the different scholarships your school may provide or other sources. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is a popular scholar-based site for HBCU attendees. This site, HBCU Scholarships: Find Money For College Today is great too. websites offer scholarships to HBCU students that you can find below. Don’t forget to check out The Brains with Beauty Project's scholarship database!
My HBCU Experience continued...
Paying for Spelman
Additional HBCU Experiences and Information
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