Thousands of Students Attended the 9th Annual Black College Expo

February 20, 2026

The Black College Expo held in San Diego County on February 12 brought together nearly 100 vendors, including over 30 historically Black colleges and universities alongside other educational institutions and military representatives, to connect with thousands of local high school students. The event featured a distinctive atmosphere with music and dancing, while offering unique opportunities for students to receive immediate college acceptances and scholarship offers on-site. Students from various San Diego County districts attended, including those from specialized programs like Juvenile Court and Community Schools, San Pasqual Academy, and Monarch School.

Who is affected

Thousands of high school students from San Diego County districts
Students from San Diego County Office of Education's Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS)
Students from San Pasqual Academy
Students from Monarch School
Yenatfanta, a senior at the Preuss School
Nearly 100 vendors including more than 30 HBCUs, University of California schools, California State University schools, community colleges, and military representatives

What action is being taken

Nearly 100 vendors are looking to elevate students' futures
Many students are receiving scholarships or being accepted on the spot to colleges
HBCU representatives are offering students information about what their institutions can provide
Multiple seminars are being offered on various topics including student athletics, HBCU attendance, personal branding, and career opportunities

Why it matters

This event provides critical access to higher education opportunities for students across San Diego County, particularly those from underserved communities and specialized programs like juvenile court schools. The unique format of offering immediate acceptances and scholarships removes barriers to college admission, while the focus on HBCUs ensures students learn about institutions with strong histories of supporting Black students and at-risk youth. The early access provided to JCCS students and the direct engagement with college representatives creates meaningful pathways to educational advancement for students who might otherwise face challenges in the college application process.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint