SAN DIEGO (KGTV) Close to 3,000 students from across San Diego County lined up at the MLK Center at Bayview Baptist Church for the 9th Annual San Diego Black College Expo, where they had the opportunity to apply to colleges, receive scholarships on the spot, and take the next step toward their college careers.
The event, organized by Dr. Theresa Price with the National College Resources Foundation and the San Diego County Office of Education, brought together over 100 colleges and universities ready to make immediate offers to qualified students.
"So this is about elevation. It's about inspiration. It's about feeling good about who you are and knowing that you matter, and I'm so excited to be a part of changing lives," Price said.
Price said the colleges were accepting students on the spot, waiving application fees, and awarding scholarships immediately. The expo has already awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships on Thursday.
Students were advised to bring 10 copies of their transcripts to the event. Price said students need only a 2.0 GPA or higher to qualify for scholarships, though students with lower grades can access bridge programs or explore trade schools and two-year colleges.
"A lot of people feel like the world is not designed for them. They don't feel like they matter," Price said. "When you step in here, there is a yes all around the room."
College applicant Dmetri Wade said there's no limit to how many schools he'll apply to, as he's mainly looking for the right scholarship opportunity.
"I'm excited to be here, you know, because I do need those scholarships for college, and you know, I gotta make it big," Wade said.
Many parents also attended the college fair to support their children. Dejoisne Spence celebrated her son's success at the event.
"My son got a $140,000 scholarship today, room and board, oh yeah!," Spence said.
Spence's son, Isaiah Youngblood, said he had only known about CSUs and UCs before attending the expo, but came to learn more about Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
"So it's a great opportunity to see what's really out there, and the fact that they're like offering us money on the spot is also really cool," Youngblood said.
The expo also featured seminars on financial aid, career pathways, and other college-preparation topics. For many attendees, the event provided a strong sense of community.
College applicant Rian Jones said the atmosphere outside, where there was a DJ and a dance floor, made her a part of something bigger.
"It makes me feel connected with people, even though I don't talk to them, I still feel in sync," Jones said. "I really, really wanted to let colleges get to know me and just show everybody what I'm about," the student said.
