In a landmark move to deepen its commitment to diversity and equity, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School (St. Joe’s Prep) in Philadelphia recently hosted its inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Symposium, an event specifically designed to uplift, inform, and inspire its Black and Latino student body.
Located in North Philadelphia, St. Joe’s Prep is a Jesuit, all-boys Catholic college-preparatory institution. Over the years, the school’s demographics have shifted — today, roughly 26 percent of its nearly 940 students identify as people of color.
A Vision Takes Shape
The idea for the symposium was proposed and coordinated by the school’s African American & Latino Alumni Association (A4), which has long worked to support and mentor students of color at the school. The organizers viewed the day as more than just a college fair — it would be a cultural experience, a portal for identity, and a visible affirmation that HBCUs remain vibrant, relevant, and necessary.
On October 11, 2025, the campus welcomed HBCU representatives, alumni, and leaders from 14 Historically Black institutions, including Howard, Spelman, Morehouse, Lincoln, Cheyney, and others. Keynote speakers included Dr. Jason Johnson, a professor and media contributor, and Dr. Monique Guillory, president of Dillard University.
Deep Learning & Cultural Connection
Students and families attended workshops and sessions covering topics such as:
- Admissions strategies, including preparing strong applications, essays, and portfolios
- Scholarships and financial aid options specifically for HBCU candidates
- Campus life, student support, and networking at HBCUs
- Career pathways and alumni stories
- The tradition of the Divine Nine (Black Greek life), including service, brotherhood, and campus influence
Throughout, alumni shared personal narratives of paths forged at HBCUs — how those institutions shaped their identity, resilience, and professional success. These stories were especially resonant for students who rarely see their future selves reflected in their current environment.
One student, Vaughan Cross, a senior whose parents both attended HBCUs, admitted he was “surprised” at the scope of the initiative, saying it made him feel seen and included. “I didn’t think we would ever be having something like this,” he noted.
Institutional Commitment & Future Plans
The symposium aligns with a series of steps the school has recently taken to cultivate greater racial diversity and support. Among them:
- Offering “affinity grants” (e.g. $5,000 awards) to children of HBCU employees or graduates, first responders, teachers, and military service members — last year, 25 students received the grant.
- Recruiting more intentionally in neighborhoods with higher populations of Black and Latino students
- Hiring more diverse leadership, including a Black vice president of enrollment management
School leaders say the symposium drew nearly 300 student registrants and hope to make it a recurring, annual event.
In the words of John Marinacci, St. Joe’s Prep’s president, “Having a population that is so representative here is at the heart of the ethos of the Jesuit mission. So it’s not an option for us, and it’s not a fad. This is foundational to our identity.”
