About the Central PA HBCU & Workforce Fair

The Central PA HBCU & Workforce Fair includes:

  • Free breakfast and lunch for all students and chaperones, HBCU and workforce reps, session presenters, and volunteers.

  • Sessions providing students with information about the college process, campus activities, and guidance with career options.

  • Speaking with HBCU representatives and workforce professionals to provide useful information for transitioning out of high school.

My 27 years in education taught me that HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are a beacon of opportunity for many students - especially students of color”

Dorene Wilbur, Founder

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Meet our Founder and Chair…

Dorene Wilbur is a former educator of 27 years, finishing her tenure teaching high school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The idea for the Central PA HBCU & Workforce Fair was birthed out of personal experience.

In 2017, when Dorene’s eldest daughter began to focus on colleges, she found a lack of options geared toward students of color. Seeing a way to bridge the gap, Dorene started the first Black Student Union at her high school.

This led to her vision of exposing other area students to HBCUs and career opportunities. Dorene’s daughter proudly graduated from an HBCU!

Dorene was gifted the venue by Maddie Young, President of the YWCA of Carlisle and Cumberland County - this connection came through Safronia Perry, Consultant and former Executive Director of Hope Station.

Dorene, Ms. Perry, and Jacinta Willis of Clearing Space Wellness LLC, worked as a team contacting sponsors, high schools, supporters, and set up the HBCU Fair Committee. From their hard work, the First Annual HBCU & HSI College Fair was born in October of 2022.

Dorene’s vision sets this fair apart - desiring to provide students with a unique opportunity to attend an HBCU fair but also to attend information sessions geared toward preparing students for college or a career. This innovative idea had not been carried out in Carlisle before.

Meet the HBCU Committee

Without our dedicated staff who graciously volunteer their time and resources, we would not have had such amazing fairs.

We are especially grateful for the meaningful relationships that have been created amongst our committee members, coming together to inspire young lives to pursue greater educational goals and career success. Read team bios here.

Thank you to all the HBCU and Workforce Reps that have attended our fairs - We couldn’t have done this without you!

Thank you to all of our company sponsors, community businesses, and individual donors - your support is greatly appreciated!

Past HBCU Participants:

  • Maryland Eastern Shore University

  • Albright College

  • Bennett College

  • Cheyney University

  • Delaware State University

  • Dillard University

  • Elizabeth State University

  • Hampton University

  • Howard University

  • Lincoln University of PA

  • Bowie State University

  • Morgan State University

  • Spelman College

  • Tuskegee University

  • West Virginia University

  • Xavier University of LA

  • Bowie State University

  • Clinton College

Past Workforce Participants:

  • Boilermakers Local 13

  • Carlisle Construction

  • Commonwealth of PA

  • Intl. Union of Elevator Constructors

  • Iron Sharpens Iron

  • PA Human Relations Commission

  • PA Office of Attorney General

  • PA Trades Association

  • PHEAA

  • Steamfitters Union

  • UPMC