community impact
HBCU College Fair
In October 1979, IBAC presented its first HBCU college fair. It featured recruitment professionals and local HBCU alumni and was held at Shortridge High School. Our most recent face-to-face college fair was held at Crispus Attucks High School. By 2019, the IBAC College Fair evolved from a one-night event into five distinct recruitment activities:
(1) HBCU College Fair, (497 students attended from 74 high schools)
(2) HBCU Distance Recruitment Event, (6 high schools in AZ, MD, NC, SC and were represented. 490 students participated)
(3) HBCU Scholarship Opportunity Network, (425 students attended)
(4) Scholarship and Student Aid Webinar, (Scholarship dollars awarded: $6,577,496)
(5) Corporate Partners Info/Networking Sessions'.
This event is recognized and respected as one of the largest and most productive HBCU college fairs in the country with over 50 schools represented and 1412 students attending in 2019.
2019 Sponsors
Lilly Endowment
Lumina Foundation
Allison Transmission
Praxair Technology
AKA/AMO
North Side New Era Church
Dr. Pat Payne Family
2019 Community Partners
NACDRAO
UNCF
Indianapolis Urban League
In 2020 and 2021 the covid 19 pandemic forced IBAC to hold virtual College Fairs and postpone the other recruitment activities. 40 HBCUs were represented at the 2020 College Fair. 794 students participated. ^1 high schools were represented. We anticipate holding our traditional face to face college fair again in the fall of 2022.
The IBAC HBCU College Fair provides students, parents, families, educators and other interested community members the opportunity to learn about the academic options and student aid HBCUs provide. Often our college fair is the only such opportunity in Indianapolis, IN. Recruiters share admission standards, pre-collegiate educational programs, educational eligibility for student athletes, college life, and so much more. IBAC’s community partners and member organizations are also on site to provide scholarships to deserving students who enroll in HBCUs.
