AAMU Welcomes HBCU Leaders While Continuing Summer Partnership with Drake State

Alabama A&M University is serving as a national host for the first time for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund SOAR Scholars Program planning meeting, welcoming representatives from historically Black colleges and universities and historically Black community colleges across the country.

The two-day meeting, which began at Drake State Community and Technical College and concludes today at AAMU in the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room, brings together leaders from 17 selected institutions. Participants are collaborating on strategies, sharing resources and discussing best practices for implementing the 2026 SOAR Scholars Program, which will serve 100 high school juniors on participating campuses this summer.

“In 2024, when we partnered with Drake State to start the program, we traveled to Washington for the planning meeting,” said Dr. Vernessa Edwards, STEM co-director with AAMU Teach and summer programs coordinator. “Last year we went to Lawson State, and this year they asked us to host it. Yesterday we were at Drake State, and today we’re at AAMU. We are thrilled to serve as host.”

For the third consecutive year, AAMU is also partnering with Drake State to host the summer residential component of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund SOAR Scholars Program. The weeklong program will be held July 12-17, 2026, on the campuses of Alabama A&M and Drake State.

The SOAR Scholars Program is a free, one-week residential experience for high-achieving high school juniors who will enter their senior year in the fall. Participants live on campus and take part in seminars, workshops and networking opportunities designed to prepare them for college and future careers.

“During the program, students live on campus and learn about the college application process, financial literacy and financial management,” said Alicia Bostick, senior manager of SOAR programs for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “We administer the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment and begin coaching students on strengths development — identifying their talents and skills and how to apply those to select a postsecondary pathway. The goal is to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about life after high school.”

Institutions are selected through a competitive grant process in which they submit proposals outlining their program structure. A review panel evaluates the proposals and selects the top institutions to host the program.

The program is open to current high school juniors in the Class of 2027 who have a minimum 2.5 GPA and complete a personal statement. The application deadline is April 15. The program covers housing, meals, materials, supplies and activities, though travel expenses are not included.

At AAMU and Drake State, students will attend sessions on both campuses while residing at AAMU. Programming includes college admissions guidance, financial aid and scholarship information, academic exploration and exposure to career pathways, along with cultural and enrichment activities.

“We’re recruiting 100 students for an immersive college readiness experience,” Edwards said. “This program gives them firsthand exposure to campus life, connects them with mentors and peers, and helps them see themselves as future college students and leaders. By the end of the week, they leave with greater clarity about their goals, a stronger sense of purpose and the tools they need to take the next step with confidence.”

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From left: Dr. Vernessa Edwards, Jennifer O’linger, director of financial aid at Drake State, and Dr. Nicole Bell, dean of students at Drake State.