College Fair History

The HBCU College started in Peoria, IL in 2006. The goal was to expose high school students at Manuel High School to successful African American professionals in the Peoria area. By launching the HBCU College Fair, the vision was to create a positively productive change in America as it relates to a successful future for all children of all socioeconomic levels in the area of education.  The fair has expanded to cater to minority high school students in Central Illinois. During its inception in 2006, the fair hosted seven historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and over 200+ students. The fair continued its growth in 2007 when it had over 300+ student participate and 15 HBCUs.  The fair also added entertainment portion which featured Peoria's FM 92.3, Poet Kord Adams, and motivational speaker Myra Caesar. Between the years of 2008-2009, the fair evolved greatly. Student participation has expanded to include students from Bloomington, Springfield, and other surrounding Central Illinois cities. The college participation has changed as well. The fair has now been expanded to include traditional colleges and universities as well.