The Black Deaf Project is hosting the 4th Annual Deaf, Brilliant, & College Bound. We are inviting 8th-12th grade Black Deaf students and their chaperones to a two-day college experience starting at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 19th and ending Friday, February 21st at 2:00 pm. 

 

This initiative provides Black Deaf students with opportunities to connect meaningfully with college environments and make informed decisions about their futures. Through campus visits, students gain insight into academic life, the application process, and college terminology, making these experiences less intimidating and more accessible. By pairing students with Black college mentors, we foster a supportive network that extends beyond the program, providing encouragement and firsthand advice from mentors who share similar experiences.

 

In addition to college-focused exploration, the program educates students about the significance and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as the wide range of college types and experiences available to them. To deepen personal development, we design spaces that center Black identity, allowing Deaf students to explore their cultural heritage and cultivate leadership skills. Recognizing that every student’s path is unique, we also present alternative career avenues, such as trades, entrepreneurship, and service roles, expanding their perspectives on fulfilling postsecondary options.

 

Where: 

We will visit California State University Long Beach and one local community college

 

Cost:

The college tour is free for all students and chaperones. We will cover all meals, two hotel nights, a t-shirt, and gift bag for all attendees. Ground transportation will be covered for any participants that fly in. 

 

For:

The program centers Black Deaf students from 8th-12th but is inclusive of all Deaf Students of Color. This means our curriculum focuses on Black culture and experiences, with priority registration given to Black Deaf students. If space allows any Deaf Students of Color who are enthusiastic about learning more about college are welcome to join. American Sign Language is the primary language of this experience, and we will support and accommodate all student and chaperone language needs (e.g., interpreters).  Each student must attend with a teacher or guardian (Any adult over 18) chaperone.

 

Hotel:

Ayres Hotel Seal Beach

12850 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Free parking

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Deaf, Brilliant, and College Bound Tentative Schedule

Feb 19- Feb 21, 2025

 

Wednesday, Feb 19

·     Welcome & Introductions

·     Dinner

·     Social Activity 

·     Black Deaf Student & Alumni Panel  

·     Ice Cream Sundae Social and Game

 

Thursday, Feb 20  

·      Breakfast 

·      Welcome & Community Builder

·      College 101 Stimulation

·       Lunch in CSULB Student Housing

·      CSU Long Beach (visit Disability Support Services, Black & Pan-African, and Scholars House, and Campus tour)

·      Transition to Dinner and bowling on campus

·      Back to the hotel and to rooms

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Friday, Feb 21  ​

·      Breakfast 

·      Community College Campus Tour

·      Historically Black College and Universities Explanation & Student Panel

·     “Know Your Options” Fair

·      Evaluations and Lunch 

·      Wrap up