Building Bridges HBCU Program
The BUILDING BRIDGES HBCU PROGRAM is the largest HBCU College event in Massachusetts. MLKFS is kicking off our HBCU Tour season by attending this significant fair in BOSTON MA. The HBCU College Fair in honor of Dr. Michael Shackleford attracts over 1,500 high school students annually along with more than 300 educators and features over 20 HBCUs, some of which provide on-site admissions. In addition to learning about admissions requirements, academic programs, and campus life and transfer requirements, students will also have the chance to explore scholarship and internship opportunities. To date, the program has helped secure over $6 million in scholarships and provided over 300 on-the–spot college acceptances for high school seniors in Massachusetts.
We warmly invite all interested high school juniors and seniors to join us for this educational and enriching experience.
LEARN MORE:
EVENT LOCATION: REGGIE LEWIS CENTER 1350 TREMONT ST, ROXBURY MA
DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025
TIME: 9AM – 3:00PM
TRAVEL INFORMATION: WHAT TO EXPECT
DEPARTURE FROM: 3 Rutland Street, Springfield, MA
DEPARTURE TIME: 6:45AM
ARRIVAL TIME: ~8:00PM
The MLKFS HBCU PRE Fair Workshop
Join us on October 4, 2025!
Did you miss the HBCU Experience Kickoff Party?
Here is your chance to become part of the 2025-2026 HBCU Experience curated by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services HBCU Committee.
Join this Pre-Fair workshop to learn more about the value of attending the HBCU Fair in Boston and register to join us on the Fair on the 16th.
LEARN MORE:
DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025
TIME: 11AM – 2:00PM
EVENT LOCATION: MLK Community Center, 3 Rutland Street, Sprngfield
Students and their parents or caregivers are welcome to attend!
FREE TO ATTEND!
PREPARING FOR THE HBCU COLLEGE FAIR:
1) Registering for Fair
Go online to the BUILDINGBRIDGESEDUCATION.COM and register to attend the fair.
- Registration is required
- It is important that you write down your username and password.
- PRINT a copy or take a picture of the registration confirmation – you will need it to scan at all the tables.
We’re Here to Help
If you do not have access to a computer or printer, the HBCU Tour Committee can assist you. Please contact MLKFS at (413) 746-3655 ext. 127, to let committee members know you need assistance, OR, visit MLK Community Center located at 3 Rutland Street during our Night Spot hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 6pm and 8:30pm to use our computers.
2) Visit Your Academic Advisors
High School Seniors: Visit your Academic Advisors early. Bring five (5) to ten (10) official transcripts of grades on the day of the trip. Bring resume listing community service experience, extracurricular activities, sports, religious /ministry involvement, and employment if applicable.
Come Prepared:
If you are seriously interested in attending specific colleges or universities and are seeking on-site admissions:
- Complete the college application, including essays, etc. before the HBCU Fair.
- Bring the complete application (to your college/university of choice), an official sealed transcript from your school counselor, and your SAT or ACT test scores and full report.
- Present your application and supporting information to the representative at the fair. Some institutions will waive your application fee and may grant you a scholarship on-site depending on their requirements and your qualifications.
NOTE: Most representatives will review unofficial copies of transcripts during admissions discussions. We encourage you to bring completed applications to the fair, but you can also complete applications at the fair.
Historically Black College Tour
2026 HBCU COLLEGE TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Dates: April 18, 2026-April 24, 2026
Cost: $1,000.00 per student ($200.00 non- refundable deposit due upon completion of application)
Cost Includes:
- Transportation
- Hotel Reservations
- Daily Meal Stipends
- Group Activities
- MLKFS T-shirt(s)
2026 TRIP SCHOOLS:
- ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
- TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
- SPELMAN COLLEGE
- MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
- CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
- NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
- SHAW UNIVERSITY
- NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
Tour route and itinerary subject to change.
2026 Tour At A Glance
Spring Break: April 18th- April 24th
Cost of trip: $1,000 per passenger
Includes:
Transportation
Hotel Reservations
Daily Meal Stipends
Group Outing
MLKFS T-shirt
2026 Tour Application & Workshop Requirements
HBCU Spring Tour Application Process
Complete Application
• Go to MLKFS Website: www.mlkjrfamilyservices.org
• Click the ‘youth’ tab, scroll down to HBCU Experience then click the tab spring break and scroll down to register online:
• A 250-word typed essay
• Student Photo
• Registration non-refundable
Deposit $200 (except for waitlist students)
Interview Process
• Unofficial transcript
• One Professional
Recommendation Letter
Acceptance Folder
• Health / Medical Release form & photocopied recent health cards
• Behavior code and
Expectations signed by the student and their adult supporter / legal guardian
• Packing List
• Dress Code
Each student and adult supporter must attend HBCU workshops
Scheduled Workshops & locations
• JANUARY 24TH American International College 11am-2pm
• FEBRARY 18TH Dress for Success 10:00am-2pm
• FEBRUARY 28TH Springfield College 11am-2pm
• MARCH 28TH Westfield State University 9:45am-2pm
• APRIL 11TH STCC 11am-2pm
College Readiness Workshops & Panels
Prepare for your upcoming tour with MLKFS by joining our essential pre-trip workshops. Attendance is mandatory for both the student and their parent/guardian or a trusted adult/ During these workshops, we will guide you through crucial trip details , expectations , and valuable tips for a successful HBCU tour experience. In addition, we offer crucial information to get you in gear for your own college application process.
Topics include:
- Applying for Financial Aid
- College Application Process
- College Essay Writing
- Mental Health
- Building your Personal Brand
- and much more!
Many workshops are hosted by local colleges and universities so each student has the opportunity to see what their community has to offer as well as experiencing touring before April’s Tour! These workshops are vital to ensure you’re ready for the adventure ahead!
See the Workshop Schedule below. Topics TBD.
More information is coming soon!
NEW! Panel Discussion on Why HBCU’s Matter
HBCU graduates sharing their unique experiences and insights about attending HBCU’s
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: MLKFS Community Center- 3 Rutland Street Springfield, MA 01109
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026
Location: American International College, Schwartz Campus Center, 1000 State Street, Springfield, MA
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Location: Dress For Success, 45 Lyman St., Springfield, MA 01109
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026
Location: Springfield College, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA
Time: 11am – 2:00pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026
Location: Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA
Time: 9:45am – 2:00pm
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Location: Springfield Technical Community College, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA
Time: 11:00am – 2:0pm