The Central PA HBCU College & Workforce Fair includes:

  • Free breakfast & lunch for all students and chaperones, HBCU and Workforce Reps, session presenters, and volunteers.

  • Learning workshops for understanding the financial aid process, how to prepare for college athletics, adulting 101, student and Greek life.

  • HBCU representatives and Workforce Professionals providing information that will be useful to students as they transition out of high school.

Dorene’s Story Continued…

After contacting HBCUs to gauge the interest of coming to Carlisle, PA, Dorene was gifted a venue by Maddie Young, President of the YWCA of Carlisle and Cumberland County - this connection came through Safronia Perry, Consultant and former Executive Director of Hope Station.

In a short time, and with the assistance of Jacinta Willis of Clearing Space Wellness and Safronia Perry, they contacted sponsors, high schools, supporters, and set up the HBCU Committee. From the team’s hard work, the First Annual HBCU & HSI College Fair was born in October of 2021.

What sets this Fair apart is due to Dorene’s vision: to provide students with a unique opportunity to attend an HBCU College and Workforce Fair and to also attend learning sessions geared toward preparing students for college or a career. This innovative idea had not been carried out in Carlisle before. These in-depth learning sessions include the financial aid process, preparing for college athletics, and navigating college life. Participants are also provided with breakfast and lunch, free of charge.

Thank you to all the HBCU College and Workforce Reps that have attended our Fairs - We couldn’t have done this without you!

Thank you to all of our company sponsors, community businesses, and individual donors - your support is greatly appreciated!

Past HBCU Participants:

  • Maryland Eastern Shore University

  • Cheyney University

  • Delaware State University

  • Dillard University

  • Elizabeth State University

  • Hampton University

  • Howard University

  • Lincoln University of PA

  • Bowie State University

  • Morgan State University

  • Spelman College

  • Tuskegee University

  • West Virginia University

  • Xavier University of LA

Past Workforce Participants:

  • Boilermakers Local 13

  • Carlisle Construction

  • Commonwealth of PA

  • Intl. Union of Elevator Constructors

  • Iron Sharpens Iron

  • PA Human Relations Commission

  • PA Office of Attorney General

  • PA Trades Association

  • PHEAA

  • Steamfitters Union

  • UPMC