The Middle States Organization hosts an HBCU fair for high school students

(WHTM) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Area partnered with Alpha Phi Alpha to host a fair to educate students about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“We are here to uplift and support all members of our community here in central Pennsylvania, and we are glad we had the opportunity to do so. We are deeply passionate about ensuring everyone has equitable access to what they can get in the education they can get here in Central PA,” Blake Lynch, senior vice president and chief impact officer of WITF Public Media .

Hundreds of students from five local schools attended the fair where they were greeted and introduced by the men of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

“The program is designed to show students that there’s more to life than high school and I really, really think it’s one thing to just talk about college, but that’s where it starts. The exposure to letting the students see what opportunities actually exist and that’s why we’re really happy to be here. It means a lot to us,” said Anthony Cox, member of Alpha Phi Alpha and board member of Big Brother Big Sister of the Capitol Region.

Schools like Howard University, Hampton University and Florida A&M were just some of the 17 institutions there. Students received one-on-one interviews with college officials, filled out applications, and one student was accepted immediately.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us to share our commitments in the community, we are passionate about education and seek to uplift and support our communities here and we are grateful to be with Big Brothers Big today Sisters to work together to host this college fairly again,” Lynch said.

For more information on future college fairs or events, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters – City of Harrisburg.