Friend Select’s first-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair took place in the school’s Parkway campus Commons on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The event was organized by Shayna Bayard P’24, ’28, and her daughter, Tendayi ’28. Families from FSS and other Philadelphia area high schools gathered to learn more about HBCUs. During this event, there was also a panel featuring current students and alumni of HBCUs like Spelman College, Lincoln University, Cheney University, Howard University, Edward Waters University, Morgan State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, and Delaware State University. Tracy Matthews, director of college planning at FSS, gave a presentation about the application process and then organized a Kahoot game. At the event, members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority also performed a step routine. This event helped introduce students and families to HBCUs and taught them what to expect in terms of culture, academics, student life, scholarships, and financial aid.
Friends Select’s First-Ever Historically Black College and University Fair
Hampton University representatives speaking with students.
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About the Contributor
Joely Kaplan, Co-Assistant Editor
Joely Kaplan is a Sophomore at Friends Select. Joely came to FSS at the beginning of 9th grade. She is the Co-Assistant Editor of the Falcon and Co-Leader of Admissions Ambassadors Club. In her free time she enjoys painting, drawing, reading, playing volleyball, and hanging out with her friends.