California Black Media

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Over 5,000 students and parents from the Oakland Bay Area to Portland, Oregon attended the 7th Annual Black College Expo held last week at the Marriott Oakland City Center. Wells Fargo, US Navy and Metro PCS combined their resources to sponsor the Expo. These companies joined the Expo’s mission to share resources with students to help them get into college and learn about scholarships and internship opportunities.

During the event, HBCUs (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) and UC alumni recruiters accepted over 1,000 applications from high school and college students. Company representatives also shared information about scholarships, summer internships and employment opportunities. The students and parents were invited to attend seminars on How to find money; Why attend an HBCU; Hot Careers and workshops for student athletes.

“I was very impressed with the students and parents who attended the Oakland Expo because the students came prepared and dressed for success,” said Lt. Gary Nunn, US Navy - Civil Engineer Corps and Accession Officer - Region South.

Dr. Ruth Love, UC Berkeley Education Professor and former Oakland Schools Superintendent, said educational expos play a major role by showing students how to get scholarship information and to find out where the future career opportunities will be.

The event concluded with a scholarship presentation to local high school seniors, Katryna Howard (Fairfield High School in Fairfield) winner of $1,000 scholarship and Monquette Letsinger (El Cerrito High School in El Cerrito) winner of $500 scholarship sponsored by Wells Fargo and National College Resources Foundation. The after-show was kicked off by drumline team, Cougar Cadets Corps. KMEL Radio Personality, Lady Ray hosted KFC’s Step-Show & Dance Competition. Local artist, Lil Kev and R&B group, O.N.E. entertained the gathering.

“Some of BCE’s attendees are Well Fargo’s customers and as a corporation we want to do all we can to help the build our future leaders and community. Education is the key to the future and we are proud to be sponsors of Black College Expo for past 7 years.” said Dexter Hall, Wells Fargo – Vice President/Manager.

For more information about the Black College Expo tour or for sponsorship/exhibitor opportunities, please call our corporate office at (877) 427-4100 or visit website: www.thecollegeexpo.org.