CARLISLE, Pa. — Carlisle's first annual HBCU & HSI Career Day is set to take place Thursday morning in Central Pa.; HBCU stands for historically black college and university, and HSI stands for Hispanic-serving institution.
Nine districts are set to participate in the event and 200 students are registered. Organizers say 150 students had to be turned away due to a capacity limit.
Dorene Wilbur, retired teacher and organizer, told FOX43 that the career day is a way to help bridge the gap between students of color and resources within the current education system.
“Students in this area have full access to information about PWIs (Predominately White Institutions); historically, HBCUs and HSIs have not received the same advertisement and attention," she said. "Students must have the opportunity to discover that HBCUs provide an affordable, quality education while allowing them to find pride in their history and plentiful opportunities in their futures."
The event will consist of representatives from HBCUs and HSIs, students who attended inclusive colleges, and alumni who graduated. Wilbur says the guests will also speak to the benefits of attending these specific schools and provide information on how to apply.
“What I love is the pride they instill in the students who attend," Wilbur went on "They communicate the importance of knowing yourself, being proud of your heritage and your history, and then taking that and spreading that information to others. That is just extremely important."
Wilbur said that because of generous donations from Hershey Corporation, YWCA of Carlisle, Hope Station, and more, they can provide this event free of charge to representatives and students.
“We have been blessed, the Hershey corporation provided us with $2,500, the Carlisle Truth and Reconciliation provided us with $1,000, and even the Bison Foundation on Carlisle,” she said.
The event starts at 9 a.m. Thursday at the YWCA located on G Street.