NCRF brings HBCU Empowerment Week to Detroit with $10M in scholarships

National College Resources Foundation is hosting HBCU Empowerment Week in Detroit from Sept. 21-26, ending with the 6th annual Detroit Black College Expo at Huntington Place. The week brings high school outreach, workforce access and college admissions opportunities, with more than $10 million in scholarship opportunities expected at the expo.

Why it matters: - HBCU Empowerment Week is designed to connect Detroit students to college access, jobs and career pathways in one citywide push. - The initiative arrives as Detroit continues investing in postsecondary access and workforce development. - The week also gives students direct exposure to HBCU culture and admissions opportunities.

What happened: - National College Resources Foundation is hosting HBCU Empowerment Week in Detroit from Sept. 21-26. - Gilbert Family Foundation is presenting the weeklong initiative. - DABO Detroit is supporting the effort. - The week ends Saturday, Sept. 26, with the 6th Annual Detroit Black College Expo at Huntington Place.

The details: - NCRF is visiting Detroit-area high schools all week through its Power of Me High School Tour. - The tour is aimed at motivation, self-advocacy and academic and professional goal-setting. - The Detroit Workforce Summit is set for Thursday, Sept. 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood Street, Detroit. - The summit is open to students and young adults ages 16 and older. - Gilbert Family Foundation and DABO are powering the free event. - Participants will connect with employers, internships, apprenticeships, jobs, trade programs and career pathways. - Attendees can also get help with resumes, interviewing and LinkedIn profiles. - Career fields highlighted at the summit include construction, real estate, aviation and aerospace, healthcare, cybersecurity, technology, digital marketing and law enforcement. - Select Detroit-area high schools will take part in the HBCU Experience High School Takeover on Friday, Sept. 25. - The takeover includes HBCU dance, drumline and majorette experiences. - The expo takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226. - Students will meet representatives from HBCUs and other colleges and universities. - Students will also explore financial aid options and attend seminars on college and career pathways. - Some participating institutions may offer on-the-spot admissions. - Students seeking onsite admission are encouraged to bring transcripts. - SAT and ACT scores are recommended for an additional chance at on-the-spot scholarships. - College transfer students can pursue onsite admission by bringing transcripts from each institution they attended. - The expo will include scholarship presentations, entertainment, cash giveaways and NCRF’s Dance Off for cash and prizes. - NCRF expects more than $10 million in scholarship opportunities to be awarded at the Detroit Black College Expo. - Celebrity ambassadors Yo-Yo and London Brown will host interactive seminars and award scholarships to selected students. - The expo is free to attend. - More information is available here. - NCRF will also host the event with support from America’s Navy, Foundation Clothing and Columbia College of Chicago.

Between the lines: - NCRF is bundling college prep, workforce exposure and cultural programming into a single week to meet students where they are. - The structure reflects a broader push to make higher education feel more immediate and practical, not just aspirational. - The focus on HBCUs and scholarships also signals an effort to pair identity, access and economic mobility.

What's next: - Students and families can attend the Detroit Black College Expo on Sept. 26 for admissions, scholarships and college planning. - NCRF says the broader goal is to help students leave the week seeing more possible next steps, whether that means an HBCU, another college, a trade, an apprenticeship or a career. - Media interested in covering the expo or interviewing Dr. Theresa Price are being asked to contact Melanie Eke Washington.

The bottom line: - NCRF is turning one week in Detroit into a full pipeline for college, career and scholarship access.