College and Culture HBCU Experience Inspires South Florida Students to Find Their Future
SouthPromo.com joined Cox Media Group, 99JAMZ and the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center to give local high school students an engaging look at college life, scholarships, leadership and the lasting legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
SouthPromo.com, through its Oh So Fresh College Experience Program, recently partnered with Cox Media Group, 99JAMZ and the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center to host College & Culture: The HBCU Experience,an educational and culturally enriching event created to help South Florida students confidently prepare for life after high school.
Held at the Cox Media Group studios in Hollywood, the event brought together students from Broward and Miami-Dade counties for an unforgettable day of honest conversations, valuable information and authentic HBCU culture.
The experience was designed to do more than encourage students to attend college. It gave them the opportunity to explore different educational pathways, learn how to make college more affordable and discover how the decisions they make today can influence their future careers.
Helping Students Find the College That Fits
The first panel, HBCU vs. PWI: Finding Your Best Fit, encouraged students to think carefully about the type of college environment in which they could thrive.
Panelists Shelby Rushin, DJ Nasty 305, Dr. Sheldon McLean and Anthony Young discussed the similarities and differences between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White Institutions. The conversation explored campus life, academics, student organizations, diversity, networking, internships, traditions and the importance of choosing a school based on each student’s individual needs and goals.
Rather than presenting one college pathway as the right choice for everyone, the discussion empowered students to ask meaningful questions and consider factors such as campus size, academic programs, location, culture, financial support and opportunities for personal growth.
Students were reminded that selecting a college is not simply about choosing a well-known name. It is about finding a place where they will feel supported, challenged and prepared to succeed.
Making College More Affordable
For many families, the cost of college can feel like one of the greatest barriers to higher education. The second panel, Scholarship Hacks: How to Pay for College, helped students understand that financial challenges do not have to end their college dreams.
Panelists Jeremiah Carter, Dr. Lacresha L. Cooper, LaToya LaCreshia, Andre Anderson and Sharon Hughes shared practical guidance on searching for scholarships, preparing strong applications, writing memorable essays and identifying financial-aid resources.
The discussion also addressed FAFSA, grants, loans, local scholarship opportunities, first-generation student resources and the importance of beginning the scholarship search early.
Students left the conversation with a clearer understanding of how preparation, consistency and access to the right information can make college more attainable. The panel reinforced a powerful message: students should never count themselves out before exploring the resources available to them.
Building a Brand Before College
The final panel, Beyond College: Building Your Brand Before You Arrive, connected higher education with topics that directly reflect the interests and ambitions of today’s students.
Coach Anthony Anderson and DJ Nasty 305 encouraged students to begin building their professional reputations while they are still in high school.
The conversation covered personal branding, responsible social media use, career exploration, entrepreneurship, internships, leadership, networking, mentorship and résumé development. Students also learned how student-athletes can prepare for Name, Image and Likeness opportunities while protecting their reputations and remaining focused on their education.
This session challenged students to recognize that their brand is more than a logo or social media following. It is the combination of their character, work ethic, choices, talents and how they treat others.
Experiencing the Culture of HBCUs
The event incorporated music, college traditions and cultural experiences that gave students a glimpse into the energy and pride associated with HBCU life.
From the high-energy opening to HBCU-inspired performances and interactive activities, students were able to experience elements of the history, service, scholarship and community that make HBCUs so special.
These moments helped transform the event from a traditional college-information session into an immersive experience. Students were not only told about HBCU culture—they were invited to see, hear and feel it.
The Oh So Fresh College Experience Program was created to expose young people to college opportunities, cultural experiences and professional environments that can expand their vision for the future.
For some participating students, College & Culture: The HBCU Experience served as their first in-depth introduction to HBCUs. For others, it strengthened an existing interest and gave them practical steps to continue their college journey.
The event also demonstrated what is possible when media, nonprofit organizations and community partners work together with a shared commitment to youth development.
SouthPromo.com extends its appreciation to Cox Media Group, 99JAMZ, the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, every panelist, participating student, educator, volunteer and community partner who helped make the experience possible.
College decisions can shape a lifetime, but students should not have to navigate those decisions alone. By giving young people access to trusted information, relatable professionals and meaningful cultural experiences, initiatives such as this help students move forward feeling informed, encouraged and excited about what comes next.
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