Thousands of students are getting an opportunity to explore college, culture, scholarships and future careers as the HBCU Week Foundation celebrates its 10th annual HBCU Week, September 13–20, 2026, in Wilmington, Delaware.
The week-long experience is designed to introduce high school students from across the country to the academic opportunities, community and culture found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through college tours, conversations with educational leaders, community activities and its signature College Fair, HBCU Week is helping students move from imagining college to potentially receiving an acceptance.
Founded in 2017, the nonprofit HBCU Week Foundation works to encourage high-school-aged students to enroll at HBCUs while providing scholarships and developing pathways connecting higher education with future employment.
College Acceptance Can Happen on the Spot
One of the most powerful components of the celebration is the HBCU Week College Fair, presented by the Sallie Mae Fund.
Unlike a traditional college fair where students simply collect brochures and information, participating students can meet directly with HBCU representatives while pursuing opportunities for on-the-spot college acceptance and scholarships.
Since its inception, HBCU Week and its College Fair have generated significant results:
- More than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances
- Nearly 6,000 scholarships offered
- More than $109 million in scholarship opportunities
- Connections between students and HBCUs from across the country
- Educational and professional pathways extending from college into careers
Registration information for HBCU Week events and the College Fair is available at:
Official Website: https://www.hbcuweek.org/
New Scholarship Opportunities for 2026
On September 18, coinciding with the College Fair, the HBCU Week Foundation will launch its 2026 scholarship application cycle.
Students will have opportunities to review eligibility requirements for scholarships supporting a variety of educational and career interests.
Scholarship programs include the Michael S. Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship, Arts & Entertainment Scholarship, USTA Althea Gibson Scholarship, AstraZeneca Scholarship, Future of STEM Scholars Initiative Scholarship, Treasurer’s Fellow Graduate Scholarship and NFL Scholarship.
Sports also has an important place within the scholarship program through the HBCU Week Sports Scholarship powered by Robert O. Wright III and Stephen A. Smith.
The range of scholarships demonstrates how HBCU education can connect students to careers across STEM, entertainment, sports, business and other professional industries.
Why HBCUs Continue to Matter
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have played an extraordinary role in American education and professional development.
According to information released for HBCU Week, there are 104 HBCUs nationwide, and these institutions have historically produced significant numbers of Black professionals across medicine, education, engineering, law and other industries.
But the HBCU experience can extend beyond academics.
For many students, campus culture, mentorship, alumni networks and a sense of belonging become important parts of their personal and professional development.
Ashley Christopher, founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation and a double HBCU alumna, said the organization’s goal is to give young people an opportunity to understand what attending an HBCU can offer.
Christopher credits the culture and community surrounding her own HBCU education with helping build her confidence and amplify her voice.
From Campus Tours to Music and Culture
HBCU Week isn’t limited to college recruitment.
The 2026 celebration combines education, culture, entertainment, community engagement and the traditional spirit associated with HBCU life.
Activities scheduled throughout the week include:
- A gospel brunch kicking off the celebration
- High school panel discussions addressing student questions
- A college tour of Delaware State University
- The signature HBCU College Fair
- A community vendor fair
- An HBCU Battle of the Bands
- A VIP dinner and concert
The closing entertainment celebration is scheduled to feature Waka Flocka Flame, Trina and Yung Miami, adding contemporary music and culture to the week-long experience.
Stephen A. Smith Celebrates the HBCU Experience
Sports and media personality Stephen A. Smith, an alumnus of Winston-Salem State University and HBCU Week Brand Ambassador, has also emphasized the influence his HBCU experience had on his life.
Smith has described Winston-Salem State as providing him with an extended family and a community of people who took a personal interest in his success.
His participation demonstrates another important element of HBCU culture: alumni returning to encourage and invest in the generations coming behind them.
Building a Pipeline From Education to Careers
The HBCU Week Foundation’s work ultimately reaches beyond getting students admitted to college.
Its broader mission includes helping establish a pipeline that can carry students from high school to college, from college to professional development, and ultimately into the workforce.
The 2026 celebration is supported by numerous corporate, government, education and community partners, including the City of Wilmington, Wilmington City Council, Future of STEM Scholars Initiative, AstraZeneca, Barclays, Bank of America, Delaware State University, DuPont, Nemours Children’s Health and others.
As HBCU Week reaches its 10th annual celebration, its message remains centered on access and possibility.
For a high school student, one conversation with a recruiter could become an acceptance. One scholarship could help make college affordable. One campus visit could reveal a community where that student sees a future.
And that is the continuing power of HBCU Week: bringing education, opportunity, culture and community together while helping the next generation envision what comes next.
Connect With HBCU Week Foundation
Learn more about HBCU Week 2026, College Fair registration, participating HBCUs, scholarships, upcoming events and opportunities for students through the organization’s official website:
HBCU Week Foundation Official Website:
https://www.hbcuweek.org/
WEDGEDIN Magazine | Education • Culture • Sports • Community
Report Kaleef Thompson
