To celebrate Black History Month, Gateway Educational Services will host a virtual event specifically for Black youth, 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 26. The nonprofit will present a college fair featuring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), designed for youth in grades six through 12.

Parents and those attending community college are welcome to attend as well. Click here to register.

“We would like people to understand the contributions that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have made and continue to make, and the progress of African American people in this country … what HBCUs have added to our community and to the lives of Black people is incredible,” said Connie Alexander, co-executive director.

“When you grow up in California you don’t really know about Historically Black Colleges and Universities unless someone in your family had the opportunity to attend …,” said Alexander.

The event will highlight the importance of higher education and bring more knowledge and awareness around HBCUs.

“For Black students, it gives them the opportunity to imagine more and imagine themselves in places where they will find acceptance, excellence in teaching and mentoring, and the ability to launch themselves into careers being supported by other African Americans,” said Audrey Gamble, co-executive director.

Founded in 2009, Gateway Educational Services is the only nonprofit learning center in Santa Barbara County. Gateway provides the community with personalized tutoring, girls STE(A)M camps, and a college readiness program.

Through its College Readiness Program, Gateway has successfully helped 74 students (since 2017) attend college, most of them first-generation students, and 98% graduate within four years.