The Village of Park Forest Recreation Parks & Community Health Department is inviting teens to attend the 2025 Spring Southern Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Tour.

Students in grades 8 through 12 can sign up for the tour. Recreation Supervisor Adina McCollough emphasizes that the tour aims to engage a maximum of 25 young people. She said participants will have the chance to visit several HBCUs located in key states, including Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

"The itinerary will feature informative campus tours, engaging workshops, and discussions with current students and faculty, providing invaluable insights into college life and academic programs available at these institutions," McCollough said. "This tour not only fosters a greater understanding of the educational landscape but also inspires students to consider a diverse range of colleges for their future studies."

McCollough announced that the tour will take place from April 18 to April 26, coinciding with the spring break for students in both Districts 227 and 163. The total cost is $750 per person, which covers travel, lodging, breakfast, lunch, and additional entertainment opportunities. Payment plans are available, and participants must submit a $300 deposit to secure their spot. The final payment is due by March 28, and please note that this trip is non-refundable.

"For $750, we're going to make this a really inclusive trip for our students," McCollough said. "We will take a small coach bus and drive down to Nashville, where we will spend the first weekend introducing the city to them. After that, we will hit the ground running by visiting several HBCUs, including Morehouse and Clark Atlanta Universities, in Atlanta."

McCollough explained that the aim is to accommodate a small group for the tour to ensure everyone is engaged and to create an intimate setting. She emphasized that visiting different campuses is a crucial step in a student’s college search process.

"Not only will this help them become familiar with the colleges they are most interested in, but it will also provide them with a better understanding of what types of schools are the best fit for their unique needs," McCollough said. "That is our goal for this college tour."

 For more information about the tour, click here.