Elkhart's South Side Inc. offering tour of historically black colleges, universities

This year's tour covers the Washington, D.C., area, and includes visits to Howard University, Hampton University, Bowie State University and Georgetown University. Students will also visit the African American Museum of History and Culture and have a tour of the White House.

The tour will leave April 4 and return April 9. There are openings for 12 students.

To qualify, students must be currently enrolled in Elkhart Community Schools in 9th through 11th grade, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, obtain a reference from faculty and write a 500- to 1,000-word word essay in APA format titled "Why I Think Exploring An HBCU Will Be A Positive Pathway For My Life."

Students of all races and genders are welcome to apply. There will be a short writing assignment after the tour.

Hotel accommodations will be provided along with all meals. Students should bring spending money for incidental expenses.