The Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence and the Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity collaborated with Undergraduate Admissions, the Black Faculty, Staff, and Administrators Association (BFSAA), and APU's Black Student Association (BSA) to organize a full itinerary for the high school students, including campus tours led by undergraduate student ambassadors and impactful conversations with black faculty and staff over lunch. Throughout the day, the students participated in discussions about holistic student success, financial literacy, and the value of Christian higher education. In addition, BSA members shared about their transition to and navigation through college during an interactive panel.
During their visit, the students had meaningful experiences that prompted deep thought, spontaneous laughter, cultural engagement, and personal reflection.
“I’m tremendously grateful to have shared my experiences with the Black and Latinx youth from the Project Best program,” said Joshua Cantong, APU student panelist and member of BSA. “I was honored to be a part of this process and give back to my respective communities.” The students left campus inspired, motivated, and challenged to keep forging ahead in pursuing their academic interests and personal dreams.
"It was exciting to talk to students about their future academic and career ambitions during the Project Best event,” said Michelle Cox, Ph.D., professor and director of the School Counseling Program in APU's School of Education. “For some students, it was their first opportunity to set foot on a college campus. One student told me she planned to complete her APU application as soon as she got home.”