This chapter initiative started in 1992 by Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes, provides students and their parents from Erie and Niagara Counties a 6-8 week interactive and information packed college preparatory workshops. After completing the workshops, students travel to tour several Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), meeting campus representatives, interacting with students on campuses during the visits and attending an HBCU Homecoming Celebration. On this tour, students are chaperoned by member of our sorority and male community leaders who each been background screened and trained.
Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes
College Preparatory Program & HBCU Tour 2024
2018 College Tour Recap
The Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes College Preparatory and Historical Black College Tour (HBCU) kicked off its program at the end of August 2018 with 36 high school juniors and seniors from the Western New York (WNY) area. Following an exciting orientation with an overview of the program, students and parents began Phase I with weekly workshops in September and October. These workshops were held on Monday evenings at True Bethel Baptist Church from 6:30PM – 8PM. During this time they heard from college representatives, HBCU college graduates and members of the WNY National Pan-Hellenic Council. The interactive workshops included workshop on: Admissions, Financial Aid, Student and Greek Life. Successful completion of these workshops guaranteed their participation in the Phase II portion of the program, which was held from October 24th – October 28th.
Buffalo Alumnae Chapter Sorors, parents and members of the community came out on Wednesday, October 24th to help us “Move that Bus.” During the next two days participants along with 11 chaperones visited colleges and universities within the Washington, DC/Maryland area to include; Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University and Howard University. Outside of our walking tours, the students engaged with former college tour students who are now attending these HBCUs. They heard firsthand about their college experiences and being away from WNY. The excitement of hearing from 3 seniors graduating May 2019, or those that received partial and full (academic/sports) scholarships. Others were transfers, or came understanding financially it would be a struggle, but they wanted it bad enough to sacrifice. But the overriding theme “WE LOVE OUR HBCU” was in their spirit and their hearts.
Although the days were long, the group did a sightseeing bus tour of the historic D.C. landmarks and spent quality time as a group in the hotel during the evening.
The weekend culminated with the group attending the Howard University Homecoming Parade and Football Game! And so it ends, but for many the students, it is only the beginning of how this experience changed them personally and academically. If only for a moment in time, these young people had the opportunity to experience the dream…the HBCU Experience. Mission accomplished, until 2019!
Thank you the entire chapter especially, Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes, the Risk Management Committee, the HBCU Committee, and the entire chapter for your support, prayers, snacks, and sharing our photos on social media! A sincere thank you to Soror Ophelia Nicholas for the gift that keeps on giving.
2018
2017
View more