The South Florida Chapter has begun one of its major annual activities, College Recruiting.  Our recruiting area consists of the high school districts of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties; covering over 120 high schools.

Our first event was the HBCU Recruitment Fair held on September 27 at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  This event was sponsored by SSB Invest in the Arts, Inc. and over 100 students attended.

Vendors present were Mr. Nema Smith of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter promoting Scholarship Workshops for Juniors and Seniors and Mr. Wayne L. Alexander, Grant Coordinator of Broward County Sheriff’s Office representing the United Negro College Fund.

As a result of attending this Recruitment Fair, it was determined that the majority of students had never heard of NCCU and this was confirmed by a guidance counselor who was in attendance.

This concern was discussed with Broward District BRACE Guidance, BRACE and Academic Advisement (a department that provides support to guidance counselors) . The BRACE Guidance agreed to forward an information package to all guidance counselors and invited NCCU Undergraduate Admission to present a formal presentation at a BRACE meeting in March 2012.

To date, we have effectively communicated with the Broward school district (6th largest in the nation).  With the assistance of NCCU Undergraduate Admission Office, and Broward District BRACE Guidance the following information (email attachments) have been forwarded to high schools in Broward County: NCCU Fact Sheet, Scholarship Opportunities and NCCU points-of-interest.  This is a work in progress and only time will tell its effectiveness.

The South Florida Chapter will pursue a similar approach with the other school districts in the area.

In preparation for this recruiting season (September to February) members of the chapter and interest alumni have access to “NCCU Undergraduate Admission 101”. Our goal is to be available to respond to any guidance office request of information via documentation and/or school visits.

We are currently planning “A Night with NCCU” at various venues in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.

It should be noted, working closely with NCCU Undergraduate Admission (Territory Assistant Director- Derrick Arnold) and NCCU National Alumni Recruitment Committee will ensure that we are in alignment with the University and National Alumni Association.