Richardson ISD marked a powerful milestone with the district’s first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair—an event that brought opportunity, inspiration, and possibility together under one roof.
Nearly 500 students participated in the inaugural fair, engaging directly with college representatives, career professionals, military recruiters, and community leaders to explore life after graduation. For many students, the event was more than a college fair—it was a space to ask meaningful questions, gain clarity, and begin shaping their next chapter.
The fair featured representatives from 21 colleges and universities, including several nationally recognized HBCUs such as Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Grambling State University, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University, Florida A&M University, Southern University, Langston University, and Jarvis Christian College, along with Dallas College, which shared pathways in higher education, trades, and certifications.
In addition to college representatives, students connected with:
- Divine Nine fraternity and sorority representatives, shared youth programming initiatives and scholarship opportunities, as well as insights on leadership, service, and lifelong connections
- Dallas County Promise – offered them financial literacy guidance
- College, Career, and Military Readiness support organizations – provided resources and real-world perspectives
Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to participate in one-on-one consultations tailored to their individual goals. Whether discussing college admissions, career pathways, trade certifications, military options, or community involvement, students received realistic, personalized guidance based on their interests and plans.
One of the biggest successes of the HBCU Fair was the way it helped students begin, and in many cases finalize their “next steps” after graduation. As students and families moved from table to table, conversations naturally turned toward futures, goals, and possibilities. College representatives and career leaders offered honest insights, helping students understand what different pathways could look like beyond high school.
“This inaugural HBCU Fair planted seeds of confidence, clarity, and courage,” said Darwin Spiller, Executive Director of Title IX Investigations and Compliance and member of the HBCU Fair Committee. “Richardson ISD didn’t simply open doors—it helped students envision themselves walking through them. That’s how legacies begin: not with a single event, but with the moment a student realizes, “My future is real, and it’s within reach.”
The fair also highlighted an important message: there are multiple avenues to success. By showcasing a wide range of post-secondary options, the event reinforced that success is not one-size-fits-all—and that every student’s journey is valid and achievable.
While college representatives shared valuable admissions information, final acceptance decisions are determined through each institution’s campus admissions process. Still, the connections made and guidance received laid an important foundation for students as they move forward.
Events like the HBCU Fair are vital to Richardson ISD’s commitment to student success. The fair provided students with culturally relevant, affirming examples of what is possible while fostering a strong sense of support and belonging. It also served as a moment to celebrate RISD’s HBCU alumni and strengthen connections between students, campuses, colleges, and the broader community.
