Simply Youth Celebrates 25 Years of HBCU College Tours, Empowering Students Across Ohio

Canton, Ohio – March 13, 2026 – Simply Youth, a national community-based nonprofit organization, is preparing for its 25th annual Spring Break HBCU College Tour, scheduled for March 26-April 1. The tour aims to expose high school students to educational opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Expanding Access to Higher Education

This year, Simply Youth plans to take two busloads of students in grades 10-12 from Cuyahoga, Summit and Stark counties on a tour spanning four states. Students will visit and tour several HBCUs, including North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Florida A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Alabama State University, and Tuskegee University. The tour will also include visits to essential historical landmarks in Atlanta related to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

Simply Youth is actively seeking to raise $42,500 to assist cover travel expenses and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating. The organization is inviting community members, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations to contribute. Donation levels include $100, $250, $500, and full student sponsorships of $700.

Upcoming Events

Several events are planned to support the tour and engage the community:

• March 15, 4:00 p.m.: Parent and Student Meeting at Timken Senior High School Commons.
• March 17, 5:30 p.m.: College Readiness Workshop and Raffle at Special Occasions Center, 220 Dueber Ave. SW.

25th Anniversary Celebration and Keynote Speaker

A special 25th anniversary celebration dinner will be held in Atlanta, featuring Canton native Randall Sistrunk, senior director at Orange Barrel Media and a McKinley High School alumnus. Sistrunk, a USA TODAY NETWORK Future 50 honoree, will address students on leadership, college and career pathways, and the importance of community involvement.

About Simply Youth

Simply Youth provides out-of-school-time programs and services for youth. More information about the organization can be found at https://simplyyouthinstitute.com/. The organization connects young adults to opportunities through education, workforce development, mentorship, and creative expression.

How to Get Involved

For more information about the tour or to donate, contact Simply Youth at 330-809-3876 or simplyouth330@gmail.com. Registration for the tour is available at https://tinyurl.com/5dvn3tf5.