Fifteen students in IVC's Black Student Success Scholars (BSSS) program recently took part in a multi-day tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Texas and Louisiana. Throughout the experience, students explored transfer opportunities, learned about academic programs, and experienced the culture and traditions of HBCU campuses firsthand. The group visited schools including Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Grambling State University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
Students also visited the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana, a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of slavery. Located on a former sugar, indigo, and rice plantation that operated from 1752 to 1975, the site includes more than a dozen preserved historical structures, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through the visit, students reflected on the lived experiences of enslaved people and explored the connections between history, identity, resilience, and education. More than just a college tour, the experience gave students an opportunity to build community, feel inspired about their future, and imagine new possibilities for their educational journey.
IVC's Black Student Success Scholars (BSSS) program connects students from the African Diaspora to Black excellence through a safe and welcoming community while providing culturally responsive support, academic counseling, workshops, transfer planning, and enriching experiences such as HBCU tours. Learn More About Black Student Success Scholars »