I was the first person in my family to attend college. My parents needed to learn about college tours, applying to schools, FAFSA, or scholarships. All they knew was that all I talked about since I was a little girl was going to college.
My high school counselor offered some assistance with college choices. She told me how beautiful Florida was and encouraged me to apply to a college in Florida. No one was prouder than my parents when my acceptance letter arrived. The summer before I was to leave for college was spent shopping and saying goodbye to family and friends.
My family and I packed the car to head to the Sunshine State for pre-band drill so I could audition as a dance girl. I was excited to leave my parents and live as a carefree college student. Full transparency: Although the state and campus were beautiful, it was much further from home than I was comfortable with.
When football season started, we played a game in Alabama. When the bus turned onto campus and saw the omega symbol to the right, I knew I would transfer. I applied to Alabama State University (ASU) when I returned to Florida.
At the end of the summer, when my parents told me that instead of taking the long drive to Florida, I would have to ride Greyhound, I revealed that I had transferred and would now be only 2 1/2 hours away in Montgomery. They were ecstatic, and so was I.
On the first day of the pre-band drill, I knew I had made the right decision by attending an HBCU. It was one of the best life decisions I ever made.
There are eight reasons students should consider attending an HBCU.
My high school counselor offered some assistance with college choices. She told me how beautiful Florida was and encouraged me to apply to a college in Florida. No one was prouder than my parents when my acceptance letter arrived. The summer before I was to leave for college was spent shopping and saying goodbye to family and friends.
My family and I packed the car to head to the Sunshine State for pre-band drill so I could audition as a dance girl. I was excited to leave my parents and live as a carefree college student. Full transparency: Although the state and campus were beautiful, it was much further from home than I was comfortable with.
When football season started, we played a game in Alabama. When the bus turned onto campus and saw the omega symbol to the right, I knew I would transfer. I applied to Alabama State University (ASU) when I returned to Florida.
At the end of the summer, when my parents told me that instead of taking the long drive to Florida, I would have to ride Greyhound, I revealed that I had transferred and would now be only 2 1/2 hours away in Montgomery. They were ecstatic, and so was I.
On the first day of the pre-band drill, I knew I had made the right decision by attending an HBCU. It was one of the best life decisions I ever made.
There are eight reasons students should consider attending an HBCU.
- You will be surrounded by black men and women who look like you. Your peers will be from different regions, but there is a culture of understanding and respect on campus. You are all there for one purpose- to receive a quality college education.
- Although classes are demanding and challenging, the professors want you to win. Many have walked the same path as the students and share their experiences. They get personal satisfaction from molding tomorrow’s leaders and supporting their dreams, goals, and aspirations. They are excited to watch students make it to the finish line.
- Some staff members at HBCUs act like cousins, aunts, and uncles. Although you sometimes have to pack your patience, they will help you with your schedule, financial aid, and scholarships. They will go the extra mile to help because, like your professors, HBCU staff members want you to succeed.
- Attending an HBCU allows you to attend lectures and seminars and network with like-minded people of influence and power. Many of whom you have only read about or followed on social media.
- HBCUs are affordable. UNCF reports that HBCU students paid an average total attendance cost of 26 percent lower than four-year non-profit colleges. HBCUs are more likely to assist you with scholarships and may make payment arrangements to allow you to continue attending class.
- You will receive a quality education, be prepared to achieve black excellence, and create generational wealth.
- You are not just a number. There is no more incredible feeling than walking across campus and knowing that your fellow students, faculty, and staff care about who you are and how you are doing.
- Homecoming. It is the most prominent family reunion you will ever attend. And it gets better and better each year.
Dr. Kimberly Sellars-Bates
Dr. Kimberly Sellars-Bates is a native Atlantan product of the Atlanta Public and Fulton County school systems. She attended Alabama State University and was active in the band, clubs, radio stations, and social and civic organizations. Upon graduating from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, she returned to her hometown and began working at Spelman College. While there, Mrs. Sellars Bates was introduced to Resource Development. She worked full-time but soon started getting requests from individuals and organizations to establish them as a nonprofit and secure grant. After discussing her next move with her husband, they decided Kimberly should try working for herself. Thus, Kimberly founded her company, KSTB Enterprises, in 2007.
KSTB has grown tremendously from her humble beginnings at Kimberly’s dining room table. The firm now has offices in four states and is responsible for over $20 million in grants and contracts. The firm also has a 100% success rate in securing nonprofit status. Kimberly provides consulting services and conducts seminars, trainings, and nonprofit coaching all over the United States.
Kimberly is certified by Neighbor Works America, a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts. She works tirelessly in her community and is a dedicated and active member in many community organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (TEO Chapter); Order of the Eastern Star (Peace Chapter #146); 100 Black Women (NW Georgia Chapter); Metro Atlanta Alabama State University Alumni Chapter; and Westlake High School. Since continuing her education, Kimberly has also received her Doctorate.
KSTB has grown tremendously from her humble beginnings at Kimberly’s dining room table. The firm now has offices in four states and is responsible for over $20 million in grants and contracts. The firm also has a 100% success rate in securing nonprofit status. Kimberly provides consulting services and conducts seminars, trainings, and nonprofit coaching all over the United States.
Kimberly is certified by Neighbor Works America, a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts. She works tirelessly in her community and is a dedicated and active member in many community organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (TEO Chapter); Order of the Eastern Star (Peace Chapter #146); 100 Black Women (NW Georgia Chapter); Metro Atlanta Alabama State University Alumni Chapter; and Westlake High School. Since continuing her education, Kimberly has also received her Doctorate.