Urban League Hosts Annual Scholarship Fair for High School Students

On Tuesday, September 22, Savannah Gym at Indiana University Northwest was filled with hundreds of high school students for a great day of networking and learning about what their future could look like after high school graduation.

Urban League of Northwest Indiana or NWI (Gary, IN) partnered with Infinite Scholars, and IU Northwest to host their annual scholarship fair, including over 50 different colleges and career options from across the country. Students were able to receive partial and full scholarships, talk with organization leaders, and begin taking the next step toward their future. The afternoon was filled with celebration, as many students left the fair receiving on-spot scholarships to universities. In addition, Invisible NWI and the NAACP was present representing Voter’s Registration, to register eligible students and adults in preparation for the November 3rd election. 

Representatives from IU Bloomington, Purdue University, the U.S. Navy, the police department, fraternities, sororities, and more were in attendance. Not only were universities and opportunities from the Region represented, but colleges from other states including several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) were present as well, to provide a variety of options for the students. In addition, Indian Plan provided pre-apprentice information on the Trades and IU Northwest provided financial aid workshops in Bergland Auditorium. 

Louie Gonzalez, Urban League Board of Directors Chair considers the fair to be more than just a way to raise awareness about what colleges, universities, the military, and trades are looking for. It is also a way for students to realize how valuable they are. The fair gives students the opportunity to reflect on what they may need to do in order to reach their goals, whether that is attending a specific college or entering a trade. He also hopes students left with the understanding that college and universities are obtainable.

“A lot of these representatives would be more than happy to say, ‘We will help you,'” Gonzalez said. “All these representatives are making their pitch to them saying, ‘We want you,’ and for many high school students, they had never heard that.”

Dr. Arrick Jackson, Chancellor of IU Northwest  was thrilled to see so many students at the fair and see the great energy fill IU Northwest’s campus for the day. Students were able to gain knowledge and understand the different financial opportunities that are available when deciding on a university. Jackson understands that the financial part of a college education can be daunting.

“The partnership between Urban League and the many partners you see here is an attempt to answer that financial question,” Jackson said. “College is not as expensive as you think it is. If you come here, visit us, learn about the scholarship opportunities – and believe me, we have plenty – the cost is greatly reduced for the student experience.”

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