By Sabrina Yates
Staff Writer
The college application process is always stressful, but the annual Black College Expo provides a sense of relief to many Costa students applying to college.
The Black College Expo first started in Los Angeles in 2000 to give African American students a chance to enhance their educational opportunities.
At the Expo that took place on Jan. 28 at the L.A. Convention Center, students were able to learn more about Historically Black Colleges and sit in on seminars to learn about scholarships.
Costa students saw the Expo as an opportunity to apply to colleges at the event. Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University and Fisk University were even accepting applicants that day.
“I wanted to go to the Black College Expo to apply to colleges on the spot, and I knew that colleges I was interested in were going to be there with that opportunity,” senior Briauna Fletcher said.
The Black college Expo also offered seminars for students and parents that gave information about scholarships directed by a board of professionals.
“The seminars were very good,” senior Ca’Che Jones said. “I learned that there is a lot of money out there and they gave me the resources I need to find it.”
College is about change, and to Mira Costa senior Megan Mills, applying to an HBC meant a change in atmosphere that she had become used to during her high school experience.
“I wanted to apply to HBC’s because college is about drastic change, and going to a predominately black college would be a big one,” Mills said.
Though the Black College Expo seems to have its advantages for seniors, it also has benefits for students in all grades. The Expo can potentially spark interest in HBC’s in younger students.
“Younger students should also go to the expo to get a feel of colleges that they might be interested in,” said Fletcher.
The annual event attracts more and more high school students each year that are interested in HBC’s and in learning more information required for their future and about possible college opportunities.
“I made sure that I dressed like I was going to an interview, because it was a very competitive atmosphere,” senior Irene Hilton said. “Some students even brought their instruments.”
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