HBCU Experience

Cultural, Connected, College-Focused — bringing live performances, community, and future pathways together.

HBCU Experience Event

The HBCU Experience is an annual community event hosted by Step Movement that introduces students and families to HBCU culture, college pathways, and opportunity. Through live step performances, college and career connections, alumni voices, and interactive vendors, the event celebrates Black excellence while equipping students with real tools, inspiration, and confidence for their future.

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Honoring Legacy. Investing in the Future.

These scholarships exist to honor the lives and legacies of students whose impact continues to shape our community. More than financial support, they represent belief, encouragement, and responsibility passed forward. Each award serves as both a celebration of legacy and an investment in the next chapter of student success, recognizing students who lead with purpose, integrity, and heart while continuing the work of uplifting others through education and service.

Zeraieh Bland Memorial Scholarship

The Zeraieh Bland Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Zeraieh Bland, a founding member of the Kauffman Steppers and a proud member of STEP Movement. This $600 scholarship is awarded to an African American female graduating senior at the Ewing Marion Kauffman School who has been accepted into a 4-year college, 2-year college, or accredited trade program, with preference given to students accepted to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Eligible students must submit a 250-word essay explaining the importance of HBCUs and their role in shaping educational opportunity, culture, and leadership. The scholarship recipient will be selected by raffle from all students who meet the criteria and submit a qualifying essay.

Kourtney Freeman Memorial Scholarship

The Kourtney Freeman Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Kourtney Freeman, a former member of STEP Movement whose impact continues to inspire. This scholarship is awarded to a student at the Ewing Marion Kauffman School who exemplifies justice, leadership, and a commitment to advocating for the betterment of their community. The scholarship recipient will be selected by raffle from all students who meet the criteria.

Ticket Sale Competition

  • NPHC KC Youth Initiative Competition

    NPHC KC Youth Initiative Ticket Sale Competition

    NPHC KC chapters are invited to participate in a friendly ticket-sale competition benefiting their youth initiatives. Attendees will select your chapter during ticket purchase, allowing sales to count toward your total. The chapter whose youth initiative sells the most tickets will earn bragging rights, visibility at the event, and support for their youth programming. This is a powerful way to engage the community while uplifting the next generation. WINNER RECIEVES $500!

  • School Competition

    School Ticket Sale Competition

    Schools across the metro are invited to compete by encouraging students, families, and supporters to attend the HBCU Experience. Each ticket sold through your school counts toward your total. The school with the highest ticket sales will be recognized at the event and awarded a cash prize and plaque. This competition builds school pride, student involvement, and community engagement around college and career exposure. WINNER RECIEVES $100 and a Plague!

  • Step Team Ticket Competition

    Step Team Ticket Sale Competition

    School-affiliated step teams can join the excitement by competing to sell the most tickets for the HBCU Experience. Each team’s ticket sales will be tracked, and the top-selling team will win a cash prize. Teams also have the opportunity to perform at the event for an additional fee, making this a chance to showcase talent, fundraise, and represent your school on a big stage. WINNERS RECIEVES $100 and if you want to perform it is a $75 fee.

Student Collaboration Powering the HBCU Experience

Lee’s Summit students partnered with S.T.E.P. Movement, LLC on a client-connected project to develop marketing strategies for the annual HBCU Experience. De La Salle students are now working alongside those teams to bring the strategies to life.

The HBCU Experience brings students and families together to explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities through culture, connection, and opportunity. The event features live step performances, scholarship and raffle giveaways, and a college and career vendor fair. In past years, the event has reached over 600 attendees and continues to grow.

Guided by Summit Technology Academy teacher Mr. Maxey and Ms. Jacquinta Nelson, eight student teams pitched engagement and ticket-sale campaigns, which were recognized at a December 12 awards assembly followed by a live step performance.