100 South Florida Youth Experience HBCU Pride at the Orange Blossom Classic

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, 100 middle and high school students from North Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale received an unforgettable introduction to college life and HBCU culture during the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium.

Powered by Nana’s House Behavioral Health, SouthPromo.com and Cox Media Group’s 99 Jamz, the Oh So Fresh College Experience brought together 100 students for a full day of education, culture, entertainment and inspiration. The students enjoyed a pre-event meal, round-trip charter bus transportation and admission to the Tobacco Free Florida Fan Fest presented by Baptist Health. The Fan Fest featured family-friendly activities, live entertainment and a special performance by Miami’s own Trina.

Inside the stadium, students watched the South Carolina State University Bulldogs face the Florida A&M University Rattlers. They also experienced the excitement and tradition of HBCU marching-band culture as South Carolina State’s Marching 101 and FAMU’s Marching “100” took the field.

For many of the students, this was their first college football game and their first opportunity to experience the pride, traditions and community connected to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. More than a sporting event, the trip encouraged students to begin seeing higher education as an exciting and attainable part of their future.

The Oh So Fresh College Experience was created to expose young people to college life, career possibilities, positive role models and opportunities that may exist beyond their immediate communities. The experience showed students that college includes academics, leadership, athletics, music, culture, networking and lifelong relationships.

We sincerely thank the participating cities, community partners, chaperones, volunteers and supporters who helped make this meaningful experience possible. Through the power of collaboration, 100 South Florida students were given the opportunity to dream bigger, explore new possibilities and imagine themselves as future college students, graduates and community leaders.

This was more than a trip to the Orange Blossom Classic. It was an investment in exposure, education, community and the futures of South Florida’s youth.