Recap: 2024 Historically Black Colleges & Universities Tour

Last month, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago had the amazing privilege to explore the rich tapestry of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) with 12 high school students! 

Led by Kina Miller, Senior Regional Program Director of Youth Programs, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Katie Trchka, Senior Regional Director of Youth Programs, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, and Youth Safety & Violence Prevention (YSVP) leaders, the group hopped onto a charter bus that took them all the way to the east coast. Students had the opportunity to tour Virginia State University, Hampton University, and Howard University, exploring academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus life. 

Afterward, the group capped off the trip with time spent at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, where they learned about African American History and the presence of Black individuals in popular culture, sports, and art. 

We spoke to a few participants about their experiences on this trip: 

“I got a taste of Black excellence at Howard University.” 

“It was nice to visit all the different colleges and area with all the Black people going to school. They looked like me.” 

“I like seeing how big the colleges were, and it made me one to go to college even more — and play basketball!” 

Thank you to our staff chaperones for guiding our students through a great trip! Additional thanks to all of the YMCA staff, including YSVP leaders, for partnering with us to make the tours possible. 

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