2025 Black Student Success Summit
High School and College Student Schedule
8:00 - 9:00 am: Registration & Breakfast
Main Entrance, Parkway North
9:00 - 9:25 am: Opening Events
Ballroom
Call to the Ancestors/Prayer
Black National Anthem
Words From The Founder
PSU & BEAM Welcome
9:15 - 10:00 am: Opening Sessions
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)
Ballroom
Ready to take your future to the next level? Meet with HBCU admission counselors from Fort Valley State University, Howard University, Langston University, Morehouse College!
Get the inside scoop on admissions, financial aid, and campus life at these legendary institutions.
Financial Literacy
Room 329
Unlock your financial future in this hands-on workshop, where we'll demystify spending, credit, and debt through practical tips and engaging discussions. Dive into real-world budgeting scenarios and test your skills with an interactive budgeting game, all while utilizing comprehensive workbooks to solidify your understanding. Leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to confidently manage your money and make smart financial decisions.
10:10 am - 10:55 am: Session 1
Financial Aid Basics
Room 294
Uncover the basics of financial aid, including FAFSA, state funding options like Oregon Promise and Opportunity Grant, and the latest updates for the 2025-2026 application. Plus, get tips on finding scholarships to help pay for school!
Scholarship Writing
Room 296
Want to win scholarships without the stress? Join us for a fast-paced, myth-busting workshop where you'll learn a simple system to find and apply for as many scholarships as you need— without feeling overwhelmed. Get the insider strategies to turn your applications into real money for college!
Building Your Village - Finding Community and Support through PSU’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Experience
Room298
At Portland State University, you don’t have to navigate college alone — you’ll find your village here. Discover how the Global Diversity & Inclusion division connects students to life-changing resources like the Multicultural Retention Services (MRS), the ACCESS Scholarship Program, TRIO Student Support Services, and the Cultural Resource Centers — spaces where students build community, find belonging, and tap into the support they need to thrive. Hear from current PSU students and even apply for ACCESS on the spot, taking the first step toward your PSU journey today!
Beyond the Stigma - Black Mental Health for the Next Generation
Room 327
This presentation dives into the unique mental health challenges Black teens face, shedding light on breaking through stigma and starting open, honest conversations. It focuses on building resilience, finding support, and empowering the next generation to thrive.
Divine 9 101 - Get to know the historic Black Fraternities and Sororities!
Room 328/329
We will share a presentation, and discuss the relevance of the NPHC, as well as what students can expect to see when they go to college
Black History 101 Mobile Museum
Room 333
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum has over 10,000 original artifacts and Dr. El-Hakim ensures that our history remains alive, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.
Trades - Building Our Legacy: Black Excellence in Construction & Entrepreneurship
Vanport Room
Connect with Black men and women who are breaking barriers, building our city and thriving in the trades. Hear their journeys and learn valuable industry secrets about careers in trucking, construction leadership, electrical pathways, project management, entrepreneurship, and more.
11:05 am - 11:50 am: Session 2
All workshops from Session 1 repeat
11:00 am - 2:00 pm College & Career Fair
2nd & 3rd Floors
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Lunch #1 &
12:55 pm - 1:40 pm: Lunch #2
Ballroom
Announcements
Music
Entertainment
Pan-African Room
BSU Networking Session
Room 326
Podcasts w/DSTRCT9 Creative Solutions
Room 333
Black History Mobile Museum
1:50 pm - 2:35 pm: Session 3
Black Entrepreneurship
Room 294
Join us for an inspiring Entrepreneur Panel, presented by MESO's Youth Entrepreneurship Program! Hear from successful Black entrepreneurs as they share their stories, challenges, and lessons learned on the journey to building a thriving business. This dynamic discussion will empower young leaders with the knowledge, connections, and motivation to turn their ideas into reality. Whether you have a business idea or just want to be inspired, this panel is your chance to connect, learn, and see what’s possible!
Black Women in STEAM
Room 296/298
During this session, we will be focusing on learning more about how STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and culture intersect through conversation and an activity centered in Afrofuturism.
Knowing Your Rights
Room 327
Ever wondered what your rights are when you're stopped by the police? Join a powerful panel of criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges as they break down your constitutional rights in real-life police encounters. This is your chance to learn how the law really works—and how it protects YOU!
“I Am a Medical Professional” What it takes to get into and through Medical School
Room 329
In this workshop you’ll learn how to best prepare for a career in medicine. You will hear how preparing in high school and college prepared our panelist to complete their studies successfully. Hear what life is like as a physician assistant, medical student, as a resident, and navigating the world as a Black doctor.
Blaq Athlete
Room 328
Hear from former Division 1 & Pro Athletes as they share their journeys—playing at the highest level, transitioning after sports, and building careers that keep them in the game. Get inspired and explore your own path in athletics!
Storytelling, Social Media and Content Creation
Room 101, Parkway North
This session will help educate and empower students to learn about online media content creation. Attendees will learn about the myths, challenges and upsides of the world of modern content creation in the digital world and learn how to leverage storytelling and online media to amplify their voices and narratives.
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm: Session 4
Black Entrepreneurship
Room 294
Join us for an inspiring Entrepreneur Panel, presented by MESO's Youth Entrepreneurship Program! Hear from successful Black entrepreneurs as they share their stories, challenges, and lessons learned on the journey to building a thriving business. This dynamic discussion will empower young leaders with the knowledge, connections, and motivation to turn their ideas into reality. Whether you have a business idea or just want to be inspired, this panel is your chance to connect, learn, and see what’s possible!
Black Women in STEAM
Room 296/298
During this session, we will be focusing on learning more about how STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and culture intersect through conversation and an activity centered in Afrofuturism.
What Lawyers Do: Advise, Litigate, and Judge
Room 327
This session features the General Counsel for the Portland Trailblazers, Ms. Zandria Conyers. She will be joined by veteran litigator and TriMet corporate counsel, Royce Williams, and Multnomah County Circuit Court judge, Judge Melvin Oden-Orr. They will discuss the different paths available for a person pursuing a career in the law.
“I Am a Medical Student”: Perspectives on Medical School
Room 329
Ever wondered what it’s really like to be in medical school? In this workshop, current medical students open up about their personal journeys into medicine—the highs, the hurdles, and everything in between. Hear firsthand about the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they've learned, and what it takes to succeed in this demanding yet rewarding field.
Blaq Athlete
Room 328
Hear from former Division 1 & Pro Athletes as they share their journeys—playing at the highest level, transitioning after sports, and building careers that keep them in the game. Get inspired and explore your own path in athletics!
Storytelling, Social Media and Content Creation
Room 101, Parkway North
This session will help educate and empower students to learn about online media content creation. Attendees will learn about the myths, challenges and upsides of the world of modern content creation in the digital world and learn how to leverage storytelling and online media to amplify their voices and narratives.
3:45 pm - 4:00pm: Wrap-up
Ballroom
Music
Gifts and Raffles
Closing Remarks
Students: complete our survey at the end of the day and enter to win an iPad or other prizes!