Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes

College Preparatory Program & HBCU Tour 2026

Since 1992, the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has proudly sponsored the Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes College Preparatory Program and  HBCU College Tour, an initiative founded by Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes to inspire and prepare students for higher education opportunities.


Designed for students and parents in the Buffalo Niagara Region, the program begins with a 6-8 week college readiness program that includes a series of engaging workshops for both the students and the parents/ guardians. These interactive sessions provide valuable information on the college admissions process, financial aid, academic success strategies, and the unique experiences offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).


Upon successful completion of the workshops, participants embark on an educational college tour of several HBCU campuses. During the tour, students have the opportunity to:

• Meet with college admissions representatives and university staff

• Interact with current students and gain firsthand insight into campus life

• Explore academic programs, residence halls, and student resources

• Experience the rich culture and traditions of HBCUs

• Attend an HBCU Homecoming Celebration


Student safety is a top priority. Throughout the tour, participants are chaperoned by members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and dedicated male community leaders who have successfully completed background screenings and specialized training.


For more than three decades, this transformative program has helped students and families broaden their college horizons, explore educational opportunities, and experience the excellence and legacy of HBCUs firsthand. 


Participation cost of $600 includes:

• Bus Transportation • Hotel Accommodations  • Two Meals • Workshop Materials •

• Game Day Shirt • Homecoming Activity Tickets •



If you are interested in participating in the 2026 HBCU Tour, click the button below and completed the interest form. Please note, completing the form does NOT guarantee your place on the Tour. Additionally, the form cannot be transferred to other students. All interested participants must complete the form on the link below.

College Tour Interest Form

Again, filling out our Interest Link does NOT hold your seat, it allows you to be eligible to receive the invite to pay a deposit and register to hold a space on the tour.  

 

Friday, July 17, 2026,  an email will be sent out to those who complete this form based on the priority below. That email will have instructions to submit the $200 deposit and to complete the paperwork required to secure a seat on the bus. 


Invites to hold seats will be sent as follows: 

July 24th:     Seniors and male Juniors invited to complete registration and submit a deposit

July 25th:     Juniors (class of 2028) invited to complete registration and submit a deposit if seats are still available

July 26th:    Underclassmen Freshmen and Sophomores invited if seats remain


July 24, 2026 - Nonrefundable Deposit Due 

A nonrefundable deposit of $200 is due with the registration form and will be accepted until all spaces are filled. 

 

August 21, 2026 – Final balances Due 

Registered students may pay the full $600 on July 24th or they are offered to pay on our payment plan in 3 increments of $200.  (Payment plan dates: July 24th, August 7th, August 21st.  The full $600 is due by August 21st.   Any seats unpaid for and missing documentation will be refunded (minus the $200 deposit) and will be reopened for the next student on the waiting list. 


September 7, 2026 - Mandatory Program Orientation

Mandatory program orientation for participants and a custodial parent/guardian from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.



For More Information:

DSTBlackCollegeTour@gmail.com




PHASE I - WORKSHOP SERIES

Monday Nights • 6:15pm - 8:30pm • Location: TBA


Session 1: Monday, September 14, 2026

Session 2: Monday, September 21, 2026

Session 3: Monday, September 28, 2026

Session 4: Monday, October 5, 2026

 

ALL participants and a parent/guardian MUST participate

in ALL workshops in order to move to Phase II.


PHASE II - HBCU TOUR*


Wednesday, October 7:   Depart Buffalo

Thursday, October 8:        Morgan State & Coppin State

Friday, October 9:            Bowie State & Howard University

Saturday, October 10:      Morgan State’s Homecoming Parade & 

                                                        Football Game

Sunday, October 11:          Return to Buffalo


*Schedule subject to change 


2025 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 2025.  We then welcomed 34 students and 41 parents into our 2025 college preparatory program.  26 Girls (Seniors in HS) & 8 boys (Juniors in HS) traveled with us on the tour.  While on our tour, 7 of our program alumni joined us on the campuses where they are currently enrolled. During these chats, the alumni spoke with students about their experiences being from Buffalo and transitioning to being collegiates away from home. 

 

Feedback: 

68% of the students had family or friends who went on the tour previously 

100% of the participants said they would recommend the tour to someone else

100% will be applying to go to college 

 

Post Tour Support Offered: 

When our tour ends the “college prep” support continues. From October 2025-August 2026, parents remain in our WhatsApp group to receive information about scholarships to apply for and workshops & resources to support their students’ application and selection process.  Parents also remained connected to ask questions and receive guidance from each other, and our committee chairs as next steps or challenges arise.  The sense of community built in this group led to parents willingly sharing wins, tips and frustrations with each other as they progressed through the remainder of the school year, got closer to graduation season and into first semester of college.    This season, our parents and students received the following general resources this post season: 

18 Scholarship Applications 

8 Community Events/Workshops/Opportunities



Past Tour Gallery

2018