HBCU Elevation of Excellence

• Support students in their post-secondary education options by exposing them to career pathways through HBCU’s, city colleges, trade schools and the armed forces. The uniqueness in the design of this organization is that we understand that students are not always ready or have the financial means to venture into a four-year collegiate institution or a career after graduation. In understanding these barriers, our HBCU tours are extended for those students up to age 24 who are currently enrolled in an educational program or in their field of study with interest in attending an HBCU.  
• Our program provides guidance and mentorship into career pathways through the support of knowledgeable academic advisors and recruiters with current hands on and relevant experiences. 

"As a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, I stand proud as an HBCU graduate with the understanding of how important and valuable historical black institutions are to the next generation of leaders."

Davonna Brown - President, Elevation of Excellence

1. When is the tour? The Spring Break Tour is during Chicago Public Schools Spring Break, March 23-29, 2025.
    
2. How do I enroll? First, complete the google doc form on the homepage (www.elevationofexcellence.org). Once reviewed, you will then receive an email with the payment link. The tour is limited to a first come, first served basis. There are only 54 slots available for students.
    
3. How much is the HBCU tour? The Spring Break Tour is $1000.00. The tour includes 3 meals per day, transportation, lodging and a cultural event.
4. How do I pay for the tour? We accept payment via Cash App or Venmo (info@elevationofexcellence.org). Please remember to include your student's name in the memo.
    
5. Are there any fundraisers? Yes, there will be a fundraising event for the Spring Break tour only. Only for participants enrolled by October 2024.
6. What are the lodging arrangements?  All rooms are 4–5-star hotels with Quad occupancy during the tour.  
7. Can parents attend the tour with their scholar? It is not ideal that parents are chaperones as it may not give the student the best experience. However, there may be opportunities for parents if they have met all chaperone requirements (attended/graduated from college, pass DCFS background check, participate in all tour requirements)
   
8. What schools will we be attending? The 2024 Elevation of Excellence - Homecoming Tour will visit Arkansas Baptist College, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Philander Smith College and Shorter College.
9.  The 2025 Spring Break Tour will visit Fisk University, Meharry School Of Medicine, Tennessee State University, Talladega College, Tuskegee University, Florida A&M University, Albany State, Fort Valley State University, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, Morehouse College and  Spelman College.
    
10. What can I do if my scholar does not share the same Spring Break tour, but we really want to attend EoE-HBCU tour? We encourage you to talk with your scholar's teachers and principal informing them that just as COVID accommodations were made, this same accommodation can be applied. Our chaperones will have their cluster of students whom they will support for homework assistance.
11. Can my family out of state visit at the hotel? The schedule is super tight! However, if it is approved by the parents in writing, family member may meet with the student in the lobby of the hotel. Students are NOT allowed to leave the tour for any reason.
12. What are the safety protocols put in place?

• Lodging: There is a 10:00pm room curfew for all participants. This is to ensure that we respect the patrons of the hotel as well as ensure that students are rested to follow the tight schedule of touring. 
• At night, we have hall monitoring shifts for all chaperones.
• There is a waiver at on-boarding that each parent has checked their student's bag and there are no weapons or drugs in their possession.
• There is a waiver signed by student and parent confirming that the expectations of the college tour are agreed upon and understood.

11. How are the room assignments?  If there are preferences in rooming it must be sent in an email and agreed up by both scholars FOUR WEEKS prior to departure. There will be no changes after this date. 

12. How should I pack? Each scholar will be allowed one durable luggage and a carry-on bag (ex. backpack). Please DO NOT pack any valuables (Game consoles, equipment etc.) Seniors should have copies of transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, Letters of recommendation and a resume. 

13.  When will I get the itinerary? To ensure safety, the itinerary will be emailed to parents and students TWO WEEKS prior to departure. It is requested that no social media posts be made until AFTER we have left each campus for safety.