Asbury Park, NJ – November 18, 2024 — Last week, 40 high-potential teens from underrepresented communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties embarked on a transformative three-day, four-state, five-college HBCU and college tour. The free tour was organized by students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s Teens Take the Lead program, a collaborative youth initiative funded by a grant from the Grunin Foundation. The program, which focused on creating educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, offered participants a unique chance to experience college life firsthand and explore the vibrant histories of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The trip, coordinated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s Teens Take the Lead cohort, in partnership with the Teen Think Tank Project, featured visits to prestigious HBCU institutions such as Lincoln University, Cheyney University, Morgan State University, and Delaware State University, as well as New Jersey public research institution Rowan University. The program was crafted to inspire students to envision their future academic paths while underscoring the importance of higher education in driving social change and fostering leadership in their communities.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this cohort for their relentless dedication and vision in bringing this tour to life,” said Matthew DeSantis, founder of the Teen Think Tank Project and a Boys & Girls Club partner in the Teens Take the Lead initiative. “Over the past two years, the student organizing committee poured their energy into identifying challenges within their community, researching actionable solutions, and designing programs to close the gaps they saw firsthand. It was the definition of youth-led activism.”
Throughout the tour, students engaged in campus tours, discussions with faculty, and interactions with current college students, gaining valuable insights into campus life and the importance of selecting an institution that supports their personal and professional aspirations. The program underscores Teens Take the Lead’s mission to empower youth by providing access to educational opportunities that are both meaningful and inspiring.
“This was an eye-opening experience for me,” said Kahmya Bridges, a high school student and Boys & Girls Club member. “Seeing the campuses and learning about the history and opportunities at each school made me excited about my future.”
The Teens Take the Lead – HBCU College Tour reflects a broader commitment to promoting college accessibility and closing the opportunity gap for students from underrepresented communities. With ongoing support from the Monmouth and Ocean County communities, Teens Take the Lead continues to shape future leaders, opening doors to educational institutions that embody excellence and opportunity.
“Our teens took incredible initiative in helping to plan and execute this three-day HBCU tour,” said Destiny Smith, Area Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. “We’re so proud of their dedication and excited to see how this experience shapes their goals moving forward.”
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