2025 Black Student Success Summit

High School and College Student Schedule

8:00 - 9:00 am: Registration & Breakfast - Ballroom

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: Joint Sessions

  • HBCU

    Meet with HBCU admission counselors from Clark Atlanta, FAMU, Morehouse, NC A&T, Norfolk State, and Tuskegee! Get the inside scoop on admissions, financial aid, and campus life at these legendary institutions.

  • Financial Literacy

    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

  • Scholarship Writing Workshop

    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!

  • Student Services

    Learn about campus resources designed to support students by providing academic advising, mentoring, help with setting academic goals, and referrals to campus and community resources. In this workshop you will hear from students who will share their experiences in these types of programs at various universities.

  • Surviving and Thriving while Black

    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

    We will share a presentation, and discuss the relevance of the NPHC, as well as what the students can expect to see when they go to college

  • Parents and Chaperons

    This workshop is designed to equip parents with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to support their young adults as they transition to college life. The session will address the emotional, academic, and practical aspects of this significant life change, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence while maintaining a supportive relationship. Through panel discussions, and expert guidance, participants will explore ways to navigate common challenges, facilitate open communication, and empower their young adults to thrive in a new environment.

  • Black History 101 Mobile Museum

    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

    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

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Lunch #1

  • Remarks & Announcements

  • Music

  • Entertainment

  • BSU Networking Session

12:55 pm - 1:40 pm: Lunch #2

1:50 pm - 2:35 pm: Session 3

  • Black Entrepreneurship

    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 STEM

    During this session, we will be focusing on learning more about how STEAM and culture intersect through conversation and an activity centered in Afrofuturism.

  • Legal Professionals

    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.

  • Parents and Chaperons

    This workshop is designed to equip parents with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to support their young adults as they transition to college life. The session will address the emotional, academic, and practical aspects of this significant life change, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence while maintaining a supportive relationship. Through panel discussions, and expert guidance, participants will explore ways to navigate common challenges, facilitate open communication, and empower their young adults to thrive in a new environment.

  • OHSU - Medical Professionals

    Medical students share about their experiences in medical school. They also discuss their unique journeys and challenges pursuing careers medicine.

  • Blaq Athlete

    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!

  • History 101 Mobile Museum

    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.

  • Storytelling, Social Media and Content Creation

    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

All workshops from Session 3 repeat

3:45 pm - 4:00pm: Wrap-up

  • Music

  • Acknowledgements

  • Gifts and Raffles

  • Closing Remarks

Clark Atlanta University

Prairie View A&M

North Carolina A&T

Florida A&M University

Jarvis Christian College

Morehouse College

National Society of Black Engineers

Black United Fund of Oregon

MicroEnterprise Services of Oregon

Blueprint Foundation

National Association of Minority Contractors - Oregon

University of Oregon

National Pan-Hellenic Council

Coalition of Black Men

Oregon Institute of Technology

Journalistic Learning Initiative

Portland General Electric

Oregon State University

City of Roses Recycling

Portland State University

Black Educational Achievement Movement

University of Western States

Oregon Health & Science University

Mentor$chip

Warner Pacific University

Constructing Hope

Portland NAACP