Urban League of Northwest Indiana hosts annual scholarship fair to help high school students navigate their next steps

On Tuesday, September 22, Savannah Gym at Indiana University (IU) 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 (NWI) 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. 

Dr. Yvonne Stokes, Gary Community School Corporation Superintendent, has spoken to many students who enjoy the opportunity, as some of these students have not had the opportunity to visit and learn about universities. The fair was a great way to expose students to a college campus, while providing them with the information they need for the future.

“I hope they understand the importance of making a good decision about what they want to do next in life,” Stokes said. “This is exposure for them. Some of them might not choose this route, but most importantly, I want them to learn that they need to be making decisions right now about what they want to do after they graduate.”

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.”

According to Erin Zak, Director of Admissions at IU Northwest, the IU Northwest admissions team offered the entire admissions process at the fair. From filling out the application and looking at transcripts to offering scholarships. High school students and their parents were able to benefit in many ways. Zak emphasized that IU Northwest focuses on community building and a sense of belonging, while preparing students for life after college.

Current IU Northwest students were also in attendance helping with the fair, including athletes from the IU Northwest basketball team. High school students were even able to meet with people from specific college departments at IU Northwest. IU Northwest college students were leading tours for the students and their parents.

People who take a tour of IU Northwest are 70% more likely to choose IU Northwest for their education, according to Chancellor Jackson. For IU Northwest specifically, he believes that the students can expect a great deal of scholarship opportunities and a quality education from the school, all while not having to travel far for what they’re seeking.

“Enjoy the adventure of getting the education, the experiences of learning, the internship opportunities, the study abroad opportunities,” Jackson said. “Take advantage of all of that. It will help you be a well rounded student and it will make your college experiences all the more great.”  To learn more about IU Northwest and discover what they offer, visit northwest.iu.edu

Dr. Vanessa Allen McCloud, Deborah Black, and Veronica Zizumvo continue to work together, with Infinite Scholars, in efforts to coordinate this great annual experience for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte students. Dr. McCloud encourages students to visit the Urban League website for other scholarship opportunities at www.urbanleagueofnwi.org or call the office at 219-887-9621.