Project Ready College Tours: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scholars

The Urban League of Hampton Roads’ Project Ready Program is committed to preparing students for success by providing firsthand exposure to higher education opportunities. Recently, students from Heritage High School and Bayside High School embarked on transformative college tours, immersing themselves in academic programs, campus life, and admissions pathways.

These experiences allowed students to connect with university faculty, admissions representatives, and even Project Ready Scholar Alumni, who shared invaluable guidance and firsthand insights into the college journey.

Heritage High School College Tour

Project Ready students from Heritage High School explored a diverse range of institutions, including:

📍 North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)
📍 North Carolina Central University (NCCU) (Durham, NC)
📍 William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA)

Throughout their visits, students engaged with faculty and current college students, gaining deeper insight into campus culture and academic expectations. A special highlight of the tour was the presence of three Project Ready Scholar Alumni—two from NCCU and one from William & Mary—who returned to assist with the experience. Their stories provided real-world perspectives and encouragement for students considering their own higher education journeys.

This tour proved especially meaningful as three Heritage High School students officially committed to attending North Carolina Central University, taking a significant step toward their academic and personal success.

Bayside High School College Tour

Project Ready students from Bayside High School had the opportunity to visit Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg, VA.

During the visit, students:
✅ Explored campus facilities
✅ Engaged with student ambassadors
✅ Attended an admissions session tailored to their academic interests

Their experience was made even more impactful by the presence of a Project Ready Scholar Alum currently enrolled at VSU, who shared insights about student life, academic challenges, and opportunities available on campus.

Empowering Students for the Future

The Urban League of Hampton Roads remains dedicated to providing students with pathways to success through exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. These college tours are more than just visits—they are opportunities to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of scholars.

🎓 Thank you to our partners, schools, and chaperones for making these experiences possible!

💡 Want to support future college tours and student initiatives? Check out Project Ready today.

PROJECT READY

A signature pillar program for the National Urban League, students from Hampton Roads will participate in a year-round program filled with academic, cultural and career exploration activities.

Project Ready will be Co-Chaired by Co-Stars from ‘A Different World’ – Charnele Brown and Darryl Bell. A program that featured young African Americans college students at a Historically Black College & University, Charnele and Darryl are advocates of youth and will participate in special workshops throughout the year.

Project Ready

Project Ready Partners

Next Steps to Success