The 6th Annual Seattle Black College Expo at Rainier Beach High School.

It was a day to celebrate Black excellence and Black culture – and take home some cash.  

Seattle Public Schools students from across the district flocked to the 6th Annual Seattle Black College Expo at Rainier Beach High School on Nov. 4.   

Powered by the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), the event housed more than 50 two-year and four-year colleges and universities – including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and trade schools. Representatives from the Armed Forces were also on site to share opportunities with students. 

Nichelle Page is a project manager for the Office of African American Male Achievement with a focus on high school transition success. She works with Black Student Union advisors across the district to establish a cohesive unit within SPS. She played a pivotal role in getting to the Black College Expo hosted at Rainier Beach.  

“The joy that’s happening here right now is because our students get to see there are colleges out there that want them, that look like them, that understand the culture,” Page said. “They have a history in our community, and they’re being accepted. Seeing all these people here tells us that it’s not only needed, but it’s wanted.”   

Ryan, a senior from Roosevelt High School, received more than $90,000 in scholarship offers. Several others from SPS high schools received on-the-spot acceptance letters and scholarships from HBCUs in Tennessee, Arkansas and South Carolina. Five SPS students were awarded $1,000 scholarships. 

NCRF has awarded over $1.5 billion in scholarships, helped more than 1,500 athletes get athletic scholarships, and placed thousands of students in internships and careers. The organization is on a mission to close the gap in educational achievement, workforce, and economic disparities.