About Us

The Showcase of HBCU and Education First Foundation

The Showcase of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is a college & career fair marketed predominantly toward African American students and other students who desire to attend an HBCU.

EDUCATION FIRST FOUNDATION

Established in 2008, Education First Foundation, Inc. (EFF) serves as the governing body of the Showcase of HBCU logo and model. EFF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. 

To make education a household priority, by serving communities and promoting education as the number one priority in a students’ economic well-being  

To be a community partner in the transition for equality in education for all students, to assure every student has access to the educational opportunities she or he may need for academic success  

  • Education 
  • Equality in Educational Opportunities 
  • Family and Faith 
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
  • Parent Awareness and Engagement 
  • Service 
  • Student Academic Success 

THE SHOWCASE OF HBCU​

The Showcase emphasizes education first by providing each student with an educational assignment. Each assignment requires the students to attend college preparation workshops and career-planning sessions with professionals in various fields and careers. Additionally, students are also required to attend a minimum number of college and university booths.

To assist in narrowing the educational and economic achievement gaps, through the empowerment of youth by introducing students to historically black college and universities. 

For all students to have accessibility to the best opportunities educational systems and organizations have to offer. 

To preserve the legacy of Americas’ Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) by raising the awareness of educators, students and parents about the opportunities at HBCUs and to help students navigate the college admissions process.  

“It takes a village to raise a child”
African Proverb

OUR HISTORY

March of 2006 launched the first annual college and career fair. More than 2,000 parents, educators, volunteers and students from 8 public school systems across Kentuckiana came out to experience this historic educational program. The Showcase raised awareness to students and their parents about the opportunities at HBCU by providing them with first-hand experience.

Since March 2006, The Showcase and the Education First Foundation has helped more than 12,000 students throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana from over 12 counties to obtain educational opportunities for academic success, on-site admissions, and scholarship opportunities.

Out of the students surveyed during the 2010 program pre-test, 98% stated they planned to attend college and 74% wanted to attend an HBCU.

OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

The Showcase of HBCU is a college and career preparation program that consists of 5 STUDENT COMPONENTS and  2 ADULT COMPONENTS.

Student Components

  • Champions Program
  • Senior Seminar
  • Pre-College Conference
  • Career Fair
  • College Fair

Adult Components

  • Achievement Gap Luncheon
  • Urban Jazz Exchange

Our Reports

Explore key data and insights from past events. These reports offer valuable information about the success of the Showcase of HBCU, and the impact on student attendees.

2024 College Fair Statistical Report

The 2024 Showcase of HBCU College Fair was a great success, drawing students, parents, and volunteers from across the region. The statistical report provides detailed data on registrations and the overall reach of the event.

View the Report Dashboard

You can also view the statistical report data in a 1-page overview. This more condensed format highlights key impact indicators from our collected registration data.

View the 1-page Statistical Overview

2023 College Fair Statistical Report

The 2023 Showcase of HBCU College Fair was a great success, drawing students, parents, and volunteers from across the region. The statistical report provides detailed data on registrations and the overall reach of the event.

View the Report Dashboard

You can also view the statistical report data in a 1-page overview. This more condensed format highlights key impact indicators from our collected registration data.

View the 1-page Statistical Overview

Statistical Reports

Explore key data and insights from past events. These reports offer valuable information about the success of the Showcase of HBCU, and the impact on student attendees.

2023 College Fair Highlights

The 2023 Showcase of HBCU College Fair was a great success, drawing students, parents, and volunteers from across the region. The statistical report provides detailed data on registrations and the overall reach of the event.

View the Report Dashboard

2022 Virtual College Fair Highlights

The 2022 Showcase of HBCU Virtual College Fair was a great success, drawing students, parents, and volunteers from across the region. The statistical report provides detailed data on registrations and the overall reach of the event.

2021 Virtual College Fair Highlights

The 2021 Showcase of HBCU Virtual College Fair was a great success, drawing students, parents, and volunteers from across the region. The statistical report provides detailed data on registrations and the overall reach of the event.

2019 College Fair Highlights

The 2019 Showcase of HBCU College Fair was a great success, drawing students, parents, and volunteers from across the region. The statistical report provides detailed data on registrations and the overall reach of the event.

THE BOARD

The role of the Board of Directors of the Education First Foundation, Inc. board is to support and govern the organization.

THE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Volunteers with The Showcase of HBCU have the opportunity to serve on a number of committees to further the mission of the Education First Foundation. Committees include:

  • Community Education programs
  • Professional Networking
  • Community Vendors
  • Gala
  • Event-day Registration
  • Senior Seminar
  • Development and Marketing team
  • Pre-College Conference Volunteers
  • School Systems
  • Step Showcase
  • College Fair

If you believe in our mission and would like to make an impact on the lives of college-bound students consider donating. Your donations go toward providing educational services, workshops, career counseling, and fairs related to college.