By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University, in partnership with Trenholm State Community College, hosted the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) HBCU Scholars Program, known as SOAR (Seeking, Observing and Achieving Results), a one-week residential summer program for 100 high school juniors and seniors.
The SOAR program, from June 21 to June 26, offers a free, immersive experience exploring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs). The 2026 SOAR cohort is composed of students from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi.
Participants have the opportunity to reside in one of ASU’s residential halls and gain valuable insights into college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship resources.
SOAR is offered at no cost to participants.
Presidential Welcome
Excitement filled the air as President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. arrived to welcome students to the special SOAR program. The Hornets family showed their school spirit with ASU chants and cheers, while the beloved ASU mascot, Stinger, rallied everyone to embrace that Ole ‘Bama State Spirit.
President Ross began with the familiar chant, “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah State,” instantly energizing the audience.
Ross noted that each student was selected because someone recognized their potential to lead, achieve, and drive positive change.
“The SOAR program aids our pre-college students in becoming familiar with HBCUs and the cultural advantages they provide,” said Ross. “To strengthen our nation’s publicly supported HBCUs, we must ensure students are learning early on that an HBCU education produces leaders prepared for the global workforce.”
Ross shared his inspiring journey, starting as a freshman in Card Hall at ASU to becoming one of seven African American state senators in Alabama, and rising to become Alabama State University’s 15th president. He spoke proudly of ASU’s rich history, mentioning legendary alumni like Rosa Parks, F.D. Reese, Ralph Abernathy, and Fred Gray—heroes of the Civil Rights Movement who once walked the hallowed grounds of ASU’s campus.
“I tell you all about these trailblazers because this is Alabama State University, where history is truly made. All those individuals are history makers, game-changers, and you can become a game-changer too,” Ross said.
He encouraged students to learn, observe, and achieve, reminding them to consider attending an HBCU like ASU.
“SOAR is designed to give you a massive head start. It’s about building a network of people who want to see you win, mastering college prep, and figuring out how to turn your personal passions into a real career,” he said. “We aren't guessing our way to success this week—we are planning it.”
Dr. Tanjula Petty, vice president of Institutional Effectiveness, Strategic Initiatives and Transformation, said whether students are eyeing the historic, deep-rooted traditions at Alabama State University, or ready to fast-track their future with high-demand, high-income career paths, participants are in the right place at the right time to be motivated and informed.
“The SOAR program exposes students to leadership development, some of the academic programs and also the cultural experiences of an HBCU. It’s about building a network of people who want to see you win, mastering college prep, and figuring out how to turn your personal passions into a real career. Soar gives you an edge toward your dreams,” emphasized Petty. “We hope that the students select Alabama State University as their choice of a college home. We are excited to see what the future holds for them.”
Petty noted that this is ASU’s third year hosting the SOAR program through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and that “each year brings continuous improvement.”
Students’ Reflections
Students like Jacob Nobles, a rising senior from Union Springs in Bullock County, and Caniyah Williams, a senior at LaFayette High School in LaFayette, Alabama, shared their excitement about the program, praising its welcoming atmosphere and the valuable opportunities it provides.
“It feels pretty good to be a part of this SOAR program. ASU is one of the main HBCUs I want to attend and to experience. ASU is a welcoming community of individuals that provides a comfortable place for students. I applied a week before SOAR was to begin, someone saw something in me, and now I’m excited to be here,” Nobles said.