Black College Bus Tour Kicks Off In Atlanta
-- Newly elected Atlanta mayor and city council president issue proclamation honoring bus tour company and its mission. -- Atlanta, GA -- HBCUBusTours.com, a company that focuses on connecting inner city students with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) around the country, was recognized for its mission and 28 years of service this month by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell. Mitchell presented HBCUBusTours.com with a proclamation in honor of the access to education that it provides to Atlanta youth, high schools, families and communities. The proclamation acknowledges March 8 thru April 8 as HBCU Bus Tour month in Atlanta. This year Atlanta will serve as a departure city for students participating in the spring tour. "I am a graduate of Howard University, where I received both my undergraduate and law degrees," Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said. "Without question, but for Howard University, my family's love and support and my faith, I would not be mayor of Atlanta today. The advantage to attending an HBCU is preparation. You become good in your profession and talented by having the opportunity to practice and fall down, and having a support group that lifts you up when you have challenges. For youth in this generation, the sky is literally the limit. We welcome the tour students to Atlanta and we look forward to hosting you." "I commend HBCUBusTours.com for the work the company is doing bringing young people from all over the country to the city of Atlanta to experience our colleges and universities," Ceasar C. Mitchell, Atlanta City Council President said. "As a college town that for many years has prepared young people to go in to commerce, religion and education, we look forward to an ongoing and fruitful relationship with the company and its students. And as a graduate of both Morehouse College and the University of Georgia, I understand the unique experience that HBCUs provide and hopefully the bus tour participants are inspired to come back and get a higher education. " The annual bus tour will take inner city students to six HBCUs: Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Delaware State University, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Lincoln University and Cheney University. This year's tour, which takes place April 5 - 7, will depart from the following cities: * Atlanta, Ga; "We are so much more than a bus tour company. Our mission is to provide the education and information that students and families need to realize that a college education is within reach and make a solid decision about which school fits best for each student," said Alvin Hartley, President of HBCUBusTours.com."The bus tour not only encourages students to attend an HBCU, but it also provides information on preparation and financial assistance. The recognition and support that we are receiving from Mayor Reed and Councilman Mitchell is invaluable to offering these options to Atlanta's youth." In order to provide financial support, the company also offers the HBCU Bus Tour Scholarship to current students, ages 15 to 21. Winners will receive a $50 scholarship to be used towards their application. In addition, they will win a $25 iBankUP Prepaid Visa Card. All entries will receive a $25 discount on bus tour applications. Five winners from each departure city will be announced on March 22. For more information, please visit hbcubustour.ning.com. For more information on HBCUBusTours.com or to schedule a bus tour, contact Lenora Bowler at 678-884-4008 ext. 710. CONTACT:
* New Haven, Conn.;
* New York, N.Y.;
* Newark, N.J.; and
* Washington, D.C.
About HBCUBusTours.com:
HBCUBusTours.com was created out of blackcollegetour.com to address the lack of connection between young adults, high schools, communities and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Over the past 28 years the company has not only placed students into HBCUs across the country, but also provided students with the information needed to prepare for college and understand the services that HBCUs offer.
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Lenora Bowler, Brainchild Associates
678-884-4008, ext. 710
lbowler@brainchildassociates.com
