Twenty-nine high school scholars from Pine Bluff and surrounding areas recently returned from a nine-day college and cultural tour organized by the Ivy Center for Education.
The scholars toured universities and historical sites in Illinois, Texas and Louisiana from June 16-24. The scholars included Emilia Nguyen, Mariya Greer, Stormie Collins, Ja’Mya Goodloe, J’Ceri Gray, Jayla Rucker, Tamirrah Girley, Kendall Anderson, Marleah Lewis, Paris Fisher, Tianna Butler, Sasha Miller, Janiece Carolina, Alyssa Hawkins, Zamaria Moore, Victoria Walker, Malachi Haymer, Antonie Dodds, Isaiah Austin, Adam Price, Micah Horton, DeArius Logwood, Traron Henderson, Christian Murray, William Scott, Cedric Hicks, Kendol Greenwood, Chandler Parker and Carmello Wilson.
“It was great seeing relatives and friends who came to see us on the tour who lived in the states that we visited,” Parker said.
The tour included visits to DePaul and Northwestern universities in Chicago; Texas Southern University in Houston; Xavier and Tulane universities New Orleans; Southern University in Baton Rouge and Grambling State University in Grambling, La.
Each stop provided scholars with firsthand exposure to college campuses, admissions information, and academic environments — empowering them to begin envisioning their future beyond high school. Supporters, family members, and friends including Collins’ and Hymes’ former students met the scholars in every city and college campus visited. They wished the scholars well and encouraged them to stay focused on excellence.
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Rising seniors reacted to the tour:
“This experience opened my eyes to new opportunities,” Price said.
“Being on college campuses made everything feel real,” Greer said.
“I can actually see myself in college next fall,” Wilson said.
In addition to academic visits, students engaged in a variety of enriching cultural activities.
“I enjoyed the experience of visiting the college campuses, hearing what they had to offer and the different cultural activities,” said Butler, a rising junior.
“I enjoyed meeting new scholars on the tour and getting a feel of what college is really like. It beats looking at a website!” said Anderson, a rising senior.
One highlight from Chicago included tours of the DuSable Museum of African American History, the historic Operation PUSH headquarters where scholars met U.S. Congressman Danny Davis, Ceola Davis Barnes, and Calvin and Lori Jordan. During a sightseeing tour, scholars saw the Emmett and Mamie Till Home, President Barack and Michelle Obama’s home, location for the Obama Library, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Bean and a photo opportunity for Ivy Center Board Members who are also members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at its corporate office. Later that evening, scholars and chaperones attended a private dinner cruise by The First Lady Cruises of Chicago on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
The captain and crew greeted and welcomed everyone before starting the architecture tour. Scholars had fun mingling and dancing. The food was prepared by Harry Caray’s Catering and events of Chicago.
Rising senior Austin provided entertainment by singing for the cheering scholars and chaperones.
While in Houston, the scholars visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the African American Museum, Holocaust Museum, and enjoyed fun at Cidercade. The group had Sunday worship at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Marcus D. Cosby. “The service was amazing!” stated rising sophomore Horton.
In New Orleans, scholars participated in a walking tour of the French Quarter and enjoyed beignets at the world-famous Café Du Monde. In Baton Rouge, scholars enjoyed the Southern University campus and were impressed with their nursing program.
“This was more than just a college tour — it was an experience that broadened minds and built confidence,” chaperone Thomas said.
Said Collins: “Our scholars returned with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.”
The tour also featured reflective activities, including student-led discussions about the importance of Black history and cultural identity. Through these moments, students not only explored their academic options but deepened their understanding of heritage and self-worth.
Scholars participated in a Quiz Bowl where they were given questions to answer about the museums and colleges visited. Goodloe, who took third place, received $50, second-place Anderson won $75 and winner Carolina took home $100. Each also received a certificate and medallion.
Wilson received the Emerging Young Leaders of Standards for Tomorrow (EYLOST) Spirit Award, along with a certificate, medallion and $100.
“We want to thank the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc./Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter and Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation for donating the certificates, medallions, and monetary prizes for these outstanding scholars,” Robertson said.
The scholars were commended for their excellence in academics and character.
The Ivy Center for Education founded in 2004 has sponsored College and Cultural Experience Tours since 2006 to expose, inspire, educate, and uplift deserving scholars in Jefferson County and surrounding areas. The success of this experience affirms the value of creating opportunities for students to explore life beyond their immediate environment — and to dream bigger.
“We are grateful to all of the Ivy Center Board of Directors, chaperones, parents, and sponsors who made this Experience possible for us,” freshman Miller said.
Nine adult chaperones accompanied the students: Board members Mattie Collins (president and CEO), Chandra Griffin (treasurer), Damiccah Robinson (publicity), Brandun Flannigan and Karl Walker; as well as Virginia Hymes, Calvin Thomas, Shanta Pulliam, and Angela Martin.
Details on the Ivy Center for Education: Email Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com, or follow the Ivy Center on Facebook, Instagram and at ivycenterforeducation.com