NCRF brings 17th Houston Black College Expo to Reliant Center

National College Resources Foundation and Fifth Third Bank will host the 17th Annual Houston Black College Expo on Oct. 24 at Reliant Center, giving students access to more than 100 colleges, scholarship opportunities and career guidance. The free event is designed to help high school students, transfers and adult learners move through admissions and financial-aid season with on-the-spot support.

Why it matters: - The Expo puts college admissions, scholarships and career guidance in one place for students who may not have easy access to those resources. - High school seniors can use the event to make progress during application and financial-aid season. - The gathering is built to help students explore multiple education paths, including colleges, HBCUs and trade schools.

What happened: - National College Resources Foundation will host the 17th Annual Houston Black College Expo™, presented by Fifth Third Bank, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. - The free event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Reliant Center, 1 NRG Park, Houston, Texas 77054. - Students, families, colleges and community organizations will gather for a day focused on higher education access. - The Expo is open to high school students, college transfer students, adult learners and their families.

The details: - Students will connect with more than 100 colleges, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other colleges and universities, and trade schools. - Attendees can meet directly with college representatives and ask questions about admissions and financial aid. - Students are encouraged to bring multiple copies of transcripts and SAT or ACT scores to pursue on-the-spot college admission and scholarship opportunities. - Seminar topics include “How to Start a Business,” “The 411 for the Student Athlete,” “REAL TALK: College vs. High School,” and “How to Find Money For College.” - NCRF Celebrity Ambassadors Hip-Hop Legend Yo-Yo and Actor/Comedian London Brown will appear at the event. - Yo-Yo will lead “How to Get A’s in English,” and London Brown will present “From Dreams 2 Realities.” - The After Show will include a scholarship presentation, cash prizes and additional entertainment. - Fifth Third Bank is the presenting sponsor, with additional support from America’s Navy, Foundation Clothing, Casualty Actuarial Society and Columbia College of Chicago. - More information is available on the event page, or by calling 877-427-4100.

Between the lines: - NCRF is using the Expo to turn college exploration into a live, high-touch process instead of a purely online search. - The event blends admissions access with practical preparation, which may help students leave with clearer next steps and possible financial aid leads. - The celebrity programming and entertainment elements are designed to draw attention while keeping the focus on education and opportunity.

What's next: - NCRF is asking media outlets interested in coverage, interviews with Dr. Theresa Price or credentials to contact Melanie Eke Washington directly. - NCRF will continue promoting its broader mission of expanding college access for underserved students. - The organization says the Expo remains part of its larger effort to connect students to college, careers and scholarships.