About Think HBCU
The Think College, Think HBCU College Fair is the largest HBCU college fair outside of the continental United States, dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for Bahamian students. This initiative is a joint effort between The Bahamas Alphas Educational and Leadership Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Psi Omega and Pi Upsilon Omega Chapters (located in Nassau and Freeport respectively), with the mission of exposing high school students in The Bahamas to the benefits of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Our Story
The idea for the HBCU College Fair originated in 2018 at the 31st Alpha Phi Alpha Honours Day Convocation at Government House in Nassau. Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, the then President of Philander Smith College, was the keynote speaker and was impressed by the exceptional academic achievements of Bahamian high school students. However, he noted that very few students considered HBCUs as their first choice for higher education. Motivated by his remarks, the Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. committed to organizing an annual HBCU College Fair to increase awareness and access to these institutions.
In March 2019, the first HBCU College Fair was held in Nassau, showcasing Fisk University, Harris Stowe State University, Philander Smith College, Virginia Union University, and Florida Memorial University. Over four days, more than 1,000 students attended, and $3.5 million in scholarships were awarded to Bahamian students.
Our Growth & Impact
Since its inception, the Think College, Think HBCU College Fair has grown significantly. Initially a President’s College Fair, where university presidents personally selected students for scholarships, the event has evolved. Today, HBCU presidents have full confidence in their admissions teams to award on-the-spot scholarships, a testament to the outstanding academic potential of Bahamian students.
In 2020, the fair was set to expand to Baha Mar, with over 10,000 students registered to attend. Unfortunately, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, the fair returned in 2021 as a virtual event, ensuring that students could still engage with HBCU representatives.
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Now in its fourth year, the fair has expanded to include Freeport, Grand Bahama for the first time, providing students in the Northern Bahamas with direct access to these transformative opportunities. To date, millions of dollars in scholarships have been awarded, allowing Bahamian students to attend prestigious HBCUs across the United States.
Our Partnerships
The success of the Think College, Think HBCU College Fair would not be possible without strategic partnerships. The Bahamas Alphas Educational and Leadership Foundation and the Sisters of the Eta Psi Omega, Pi Upsilon Omega & Tau Nu Chapters have worked closely with the Ministry of Education – Scholarship & Loans Division, ensuring that students receiving partial scholarships can access additional funding. Our collaboration has also included Black History Month programming, featuring Bahamian HBCU alumni on Bahamas@Sunrise, and strong support from Corporate Bahamas to help fund and promote the fair.
Looking Ahead
We are committed to ensuring that Bahamian students continue to have access to high-quality, affordable education at HBCUs. As part of this effort, we encourage students to apply through the Black Common Application, which allows them to submit a single application to over 50 HBCUs. Registration for the fair is available via Eventbrite
2021 HBCU Virtual College Fair
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Psi Omega Chapter, are pleased to announce our 2nd HBCU College Fair (virtual this year because of Covid-19), to be held Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 10:00 am to 1:00pm. Students and parents - you do not want to miss this opportunity to obtain a quality education at an HBCU, where you can obtain a quality education and at an affordable price.
