Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is set to host HBCU Week for the first time in October, and it will be the largest one yet according to producers of the event.
What is HBCU Week?
HBCU Week’s mission is to encourage high-school aged students to enroll into historically Black colleges and universities, and beginning October 7, an estimated 5,000 students and their families will be in Orlando to participate.
Nearly 50 HBCU recruiters will also be there, handing out college acceptance letters and scholarships, including full four-year rides, on the spot.
In all, more than $10 million in scholarships are expected to be awarded, which would also be an HBCU Week record.
What to Expect
The event will take place throughout the weekend of October 7-9, 2022, and in addition to students meeting college reps at the college fair, there will be fun for the entire family.
Five HBCU schools – Bethune Cookman, North Carolina A&T, Delaware State, Winston-Salem State and Alcorn University – will perform in cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park, and at a Battle of the Bands at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Schedule of Events
Here is the schedule of events for weekend:
October 7:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- ESPN First Take Live Broadcast with hosts, Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim: Doors open at 8:30am
- HBCU Week College Fair: 9am – 3pm
- HBCU Week Lunch and Learn Series: 11am – 2pm
October 8:
Magic Kingdom Park
HBCU Week Band Parades:
- 9:20am – NC A&T Cavalcade
- 2:35pm – Bethune Cookman & Winston Salem State Cavalcade
- 6:00pm – Alcorn State & Delaware State Cavalcade
This is an outdoor parade and subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Showtimes are subject to change.
A Walt Disney World theme park ticket or annual pass, and a valid reservation required.
October 9:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
HBCU Week Battle of the Bands
- The Schools: Delaware State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune Cookman University, Winston Salem State University and Alcorn University are all competing
- The Time: 2pm – 6pm
- Gates open at 12:30pm, and the event begins at 2pm.
Admission: Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the link below.
More Information
Student wanting to register for the College Fair, or anyone who wants more information, should visit HBCUWeek.org.
I’m expecting the parks to be quite busy that weekend due to all of the extra families in town. Have fun everyone and good luck to all the students!