MPS plans activities throughout HBCU Week, November 6-10

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week is around the corner! HBCU Week is November 6-10 this year. Milwaukee Public Schools has a full lineup of activities for the week, which pays tribute to the legacy of promoting equal opportunities for high-quality education.  

The district notes that HBCUs foster student success by meeting the needs of first-generation college students and low-income students, and that HBCUs outperform predominantly white institutions of higher learning in retaining and graduating low-income Black students.  

Districtwide activities for the entire week 

• Wear HBCU gear and National Pan-Hellenic Council paraphernalia to show support for HBCUs. Share pictures on social media using #MPSHBCU23.  

• Empower Me Tour college readiness fair will be Thursday, November 9. Encourage seniors to attend this United Negro College Fund (UNCF) traveling fair; students should see their school counselors to register. 

• Share HBCU facts and trivia in social media posts, announcements, class time, and staff meetings.  

Monday, November 6 

• It’s the HBCU door decorating and bulletin board contest. Photo submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 1.  

• Learn about scholarships, internships, and other financial resources by visiting the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund websites.  

• All seniors should complete the FAFSA ID to qualify for financial aid.  

Tuesday, November 7: HBCU Day of Action 

• Take action: Exercise the right to vote. Find out about voter registration and locate your voting location.  

• Take a virtual HBCU tour and visit the MPS HBCU Information Station.  

Wednesday, November 8  

• Students will take gallery walks through their schools to view door and bulletin board decorations. The displays are meant to encourage students to build on their knowledge about HBCUs and to promote deeper thinking and learning through interaction. 

• Parents, guardians, and high school students are encouraged to attend MPS and UNCF’s Parent Session, for information about paying for college. Dinner will be provided; register online to attend the session. 

Thursday, November 9 

• The UNCF Empower Me Tour takes place. Seniors will attend college and career readiness sessions and meet with admissions representatives; students also can apply for admission to colleges. School counselors will help eligible students register for the field trip. Learn more about the Empower Me Tour online.  

Friday, November 10 

• Learn about African-American Greek-lettered organizations and other organizations that support scholastic achievement and equity.