Lima Educational Field Trip

Happy Sunday!

We want to give a THANK YOU shout out to the following, for making the 2023 Lima Educational Field Trip a HUGE success:

The SJF Foundation
Dream Big Youth Travel, Inc.
Peyton D. Smith
Michael & Doretha White
Larry & Ann Miles
Rochelle Johnson
Faith Johnson
Breanna Johnson
Rashad Caine
Our OUSTANDING Tour Guides
Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe
Bradfield Community Center
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - Sigma Mu Omega Chapter
Lima Medical Massage Center
Mercy Health/St. Rita’s
Superior Credit Union
Buckeye Charters
CageFamily Cares
AT&T
Valancia Turner
Candi Crecy
Bro. Carlton E. McLellan
Bro. Kevin G. Graves
ALL Participating Students & Their Families

The 2023 participants represented themselves, their families and the Lima, Toledo, Findlay, Columbus & Dayton communities in a most excellent manner!!!

Happy Saturday!

Recap from Friday, I mean Fri-Yay!!! We had an AWESOME time in DC.

Started with welcoming remarks, and then tour of Howard University, led by several outstanding student leaders! Toured the campus, learned about the history, iconic alumni and current faculty, along with the admission requirements, student activities, opportunities and support services. The impromptu visit with the AFROTC provided the opportunity for our students to learn about military options and benefits, allowing one to serve our country while earning their college degree. Hearing from these men and women was definitely a value-added bonus!!!

Ate lunch at Potbelly’s, and then headed over to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. This activity provided the excellent opportunity for students (and us adults) to (re)discover, (re)learn and (re)connect with our African-American history, experience and culture. The few pics I took are not even close to being reflective or representative of the the experience, but we had to get a few.

From there, we visited the Washington, WWII, Dr. MLK National Monument, and the White House. We also saw the Japanese Cherry Blossoms, and drove by the Pentagon on the way to the Pentagon Mall (our participants were eager to see if they could find items not available “locally”). After doing a little shopping, we headed over to Ben's Chili Bowl, an iconic staple in the DC community.

An AMAZING day!!

THANK YOU Brother Carlton McLellan and (Retired) US Ambassador C. Steven McGann, for sharing the opportunities, and encouraging our students to consider serving in foreign countries.

Several key takeaways:

Bro. McLellan: Get your passport! Be open to exploring new places and opportunities. Travel provides perspective. College isn’t for everyone, but travel is. You can be Pro Black, and still embrace, engage with and learn from people of other races. There are idiots everywhere! Be wise and aware of your surroundings, and don’t let “people” stop or scare you from traveling.

Ambassador McGann: Know and be true to yourself. Follow YOUR dreams, not somebody else’s. Be open to trying new things, and embrace opportunities to serve others. It’s ok to have a plan, but remain flexible and resilient, as LIFE will happen!!!

THANKS for helping to feed our group as well!

Day 2 (so far…)

Today’s lesson: (When life THROWS lemons, don’t panic! Assess the situation, consider your options/opportunities, recognize/use your resources and then make, drink and enjoy a fresh batch of lemonade!) Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

Now off to DC!

…

Socializing, eating and recapping today. Preparing for an even BETTER tomorrow!!!

Happy Wednesday!

Day 1 at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

THANK YOU AT&T for providing Wi-Fi access for the bus ride. Students are able to work on/complete their school assignments, and entertain themselves (movies and games) on their personal devices!

THANK YOU Mercy Health/St. Rita’s for providing back packs, which are being used to store handouts, pamphlets, fliers and other swag!

THANK YOU Ms. Camille and Lima’s own Paige Lofton, for being such AMAZING Speakers and Tour Guides! Great job sharing information about A&T’s rich history, current academic, social, professional and recreational opportunities, and for sharing your personal stories and experiences with our group! We really enjoyed ourselves, and the student takeaways were OUTSTANDING!

We missed seeing Mr. NC A&T (Curtis Shannon), who was participating in a campus leadership event with current student, campus administration and local law enforcement. Super PROUD of you, man!!!

We also missed Ms. Zierre Thompson, as she was honoring other campus commitments. Super PROUD of her too!!!

And to think, this is only the kickoff! This has already been epic, and we’re just getting started.

Stay tuned…

Happy Wednesday!

Last call…

Happy Wednesday!

Last call. If you know of any graduating senior that would like to have their college textbooks PAID FOR ($500/semester) over the next four years, please encourage them to apply for the 2023 "Be Geat!" Book Scholarship. The deadline to apply is Friday March 3rd. Applications are (still) available in every Allen County (OH) High School Guidance Counselor’s Office.

Also, if you know of a 8-12th grader, who may be interested in learning about the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience, please remind them that Friday March 3rd is also the deadline to register for the 2023 Lima Educational Field Trip. I've attached a copy of the flier.

Again,

Happy Thursday!

Friendly reminder about TONIGHT’S Lima Educational Field Trip Community Information Meeting, from 5:30p-6:30p, at the Bradfield Community Center (550 S. Collett St.).

This meeting will start PROMPTLY at 5:30p, and we will provide updates regarding the trip schedule/itinerary, departure time/location and other important information.

Please note that there are seats available for this educational experience, which will include tours of North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T and Howard Universities, along with the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History & Culture and the Dr. MLK, Jr. Monument. We'll also participate in an EXCLUSIVE event with the Association of Black U.S. Ambassadors.

The deadline to register (pay in full) is Friday March 3, 2023.

See you in a few…

Thanks!

Happy Friday!

We pray this message finds you well. As we get closer to the registration deadline (March 3, 2023), we want you to know that there are still seats available for this year's Lima Educational Field Trip, which will include tours of North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T and Howard Universities, along with the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History & Culture and the Dr. MLK, Jr. Monument. We'll also participate in an EXCLUSIVE event with the Association of Black American Ambassadors.

In preparation for this amazing experience, we have scheduled another Community Information Meeting for Thursday February 16th, from 5:30p-6:30p, at the Bradfield Community Center (550 S. Collett St.).

This meeting will start PROMPTLY at 5:30p, and we will provide updates regarding the trip schedule/itinerary, departure time/location and other important information.

Again, the registration deadline is 7pm on Friday March 3, 2023. Final payments MUST be made by this time.

Please make plans to join us. If you have any questions, please call Londell Smith at 419-236-8947.

Happy Friday!

Another reminder that the DEADLINE to register for the Lima Educational Field Trip is FRIDAY MARCH 3, 2023! There are several seats available, and they will be filled on a first-served basis.

This is an AMAZING opportunity to visit three HBCU institutions (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina Central University and Howard University, along with trips to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Dr. MLK National Monument, Washington, DC and an EXCLUSIVE event with a group of US Ambassadors.

This is going to be one of the most comprehensive educational experiences that we've offered (to date). So register TODAY!!!

This event is supported by the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) educational savings account program. This means that qualifying families can receive up to $500 per student to offset the participation fee. Call 419-236-8947 for details.

Again, the DEADLINE to register for the Lima Educational Field Trip is FRIDAY MARCH 3, 2023! There are several seats available, and they will be filled on a first-served basis.

Happy Wednesday!

First we want to THANK Holly Geaman Koza and Your Hometown Stations - Lima Ohio for extending the invitation to come and share information regarding this year's Lima Educational Field Trip. It's an honor and privilege to serve with such an AMAZING team of individuals, to help introduce and encourage individual, family and community success!

With this being said, there are approximately seven (7) seats remaining for this year's trip. If you are (or know of) an 8th thru 12th grade student that would benefit from this experience, PLEASE encourage him/her to register TODAY!!!

This year's trip is scheduled for October 12-16, and we will be touring North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Bethune-Cookman University and Edward Waters University. We're going to hear from the Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Engagement/Success, Athletics, Program Leadership and University Presidents regarding their respective Universities, along with the various resources available to ensure a successful college experience. The part that we're MOST proud of is the former Lima area HS students that will be on hand to show us around, and share their experiences at their respective schools!!! Lima greatness will be on display!!!

We'll also participate in cultural and historical activities, spend time at Jax Beach and attend a HBCU Football Game featuring Jackson State University vs. Bethune Cookman University (Tailgating, Battle of the Bands and all of the Pageantry). This is going to be an EPIC experience!!!

Upon our return, we will offer follow-up programming to further explain the college selection/admissions process, along with other college prep and career development activities/events to help ensure that students are fully equipped to get THRU college, then (hopefully) return to pursue professional and leadership positions within our community.

Again, their are approximately seven (7) seats available, and they will be filled on a first-served basis. For more information, please call 419-236-8947.

THANKS!!!

The Smith Jones Family Foundation The Smith Jones Family Foundation is hosting an educational field trip for Lima students. Londell Smith is in to tell us about this year's trip!

Happy Sunday!

The countdown continues... Are you ready!!!

Here's a friendly reminder that our next Informational Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 20th at The Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe (311 W. Market St., Lima, OH 45801). This meeting will start PROMPTLY at 5:30pm, and we will do our best to keep this meeting short, yet concise.

The "Official" Registration Packet will be available, including the Trip Itinerary and info regarding what to wear/bring. We also have additional info and some very important updates to share.

The Individual Investment of $550 per person is due on Monday October 3rd. Payment plans are still available, and there is a LIMITED amount of scholarship support remaining. Payments can be made via Cashapp: $TheSJFfoundation, Venmo: or by check, made payable to The SJF Foundation, and mailed to PO Box 1087, Lima, OH 45802. Please make sure to include the student's name(s), along with the L.E.F.T. in the memo sections.

If you would like to participate in this experience, PLEASE scan the QR code in the bottom right hand corner of this flier, and complete the basic registration form. If you've already done so, there is no need to complete another form.

We also invite and encourage you to like (and follow) this page, along with The SJF Foundation.

If you have any questions, feel free to call 419-236-8947. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

THANKS!

Happy Wednesday!

The countdown is on, and we are SUPER excited about the 2022 Lima Educational Field Trip. We’ve made plans to ensure that this is, by far, the absolute BEST experience that we will have offered to date! As a recap, we will hear from and engage with the admissions, financial aid, student success, athletic and campus life departments. We’ll also have the opportunity to eat in college cafeterias, interact with current college students (former Lima area high school students), spend time at Jax Beach and enjoy the HBCU college football game day experience (tailgating, battle of the bands and a great football game).

Currently, we have 15 seats available, and they’ll be filled on a first-served basis. Simply scan the QR code on the flier, and complete the basic registration form.

We want to remind you that payment plans and partial scholarships remain available, and that final payments are due by Monday October 3, 2022 (due to the 1st being on a Saturday). You can make payments via cashapp: $TheSJFfoundation, venmo: or check made payable to: The SJF Foundation. Please include the name(s) and .L.E.F.T. in the comment areas (for proper tracking). Again, full payment is due by Monday October 3rd.

Our next informational/update meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 20th at The Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe. As usual, this meeting will start PROMPTLY at 5:30pm, and shouldn’t last longer than an hour. During this meeting, we will discuss/distribute the trip itinerary, along with the official Registration Packet. We’ll also give an update regarding available scholarship support and introduce our chaperones and answer questions.

Thanks!

Happy Monday!

We're hosting another Lima Educational Field Trip Informational Meeting on Wednesday September 7th, staring (PROMPTLY) at 5:30pm, at The Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe (311 E. Market St., Lima).

During this meeting, we'll share information/updates regarding the trip itinerary, hotel and available scholarship support. We'll also answer questions.

Don't delay, reserve your seat TODAY!!!

Happy Tuesday!

THANK YOU Meyers Cook, Sharpe and Your Hometown Lima Stations for helping to inform our community about this year’s HBCU College Tour.

Registration is underway, and open to the first 43 students that register.

This year’s trip will include Lima area high school alumni-led tours of North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune-Cookman University and Edward Waters University. We’ll also take in some cultural and historical experiences, enjoy Jax Beach and attend a HBCU Football Game at TIAA Bank Field (Jackson State Football vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats football).

For more information, please call 419-236-8947.

Smith Jones Family Foundation offering high school students a college experience field trip The Smith Jones Family Foundation has been offering an "educational field trip" experience for high school students for the past several years. It's an inside look at four traditionally Black

Happy Thursday!

We had an AMAZING turnout this evening! We expanded on the information contained in this flier, and answered some really good questions!!!

Registration is officially open!!! Registration will be accepted on a first come (paid), first served basis.

Payment plans are available, along with a limited amount of scholarship support.

The absolute BEST thing about this year’s trip, is that we have LIMA area students currently attending three of the four schools, and have committed to spending time with our group!!!

This is going to be EPIC!!! Scan and complete the basic registration form, and get your money in NOW! If you have any questions, please call Londell Smith at 419-236-8947.

THANKS, and PLEASE SHARE!!!

Happy Thursday Y’all!!!

Good Luck to all teachers, students and parents! We’re praying with, and for you!!!

Friendly reminder about TONIGHT’S Info Meeting regarding the 2022 Lima Educational Field Trip. This meeting will take place at The Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe, starting promptly at 5:30pm.

See you soon…

PLEASE SHARE! Thanks!!!

Happy Friday! The SJF Foundation is SUPER excited to announce the 2022 Lima Educational Field Trip (October 12-16)!!!

This trip is designed for 9-12 grade students, and will feature a HBCU Tour of the following schools: North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune-Cookman University and Edward Waters University!

We'll also participate in various Cultural and Historical tours/activities, have a Beach Party and experience the tailgating, Battle of the Bands and all the pageantry of a HBCU Football Game, featuring Jackson State Football vs Bethune-Cookman Wildcats football.

We have scheduled an Informational Meeting for Thursday August 18th, 5:30pm (SHARP!!) at The Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe (311 E. Market St., Lima, OH).

If you (or someone you know) would like to attend this year's Lima Educational Field Trip, please make plans to attend this meeting. There are a limited number of seats, which will be reserved on a first-served basis.

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Happy Saturday! 1st session is in the books. Lauren Young (Lead Recruitment Specialist did a phenomenal job introducing our group to Central State University.

Even more, Francis Katuramu, Leiahnni Smith and Anthony Johnson all received their OFFICIAL Acceptance Letters of Admission. That’s right, 3 of our students have been OFFICIALLY accepted into the CSU Family!!! ✊🏾

Now over to French Fieldhouse for the HBCU College & Career Fair...

This is going to be FUN!!!

Happy Friday!

If you're going to the Classic For Columbus tomorrow, come say "Wassup!!! Our itinerary is as follows:

7a, Private Reception with Kentucky State University and Central State University (Knight House (104 E. 15th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210)
8a, Networking/educational experience
9a-12p, HBCU College & Career Fair (French Fieldhouse)
12p, Drumline Battle (French Fieldhouse)
12:45p, Tailgate/lunch with The Nupes (outside of Ohio Stadium)
2:30p, Enter Ohio Stadium to enjoy the show (411 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH 43210)

East Central Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Dayton Kappa
Undertakers of gamma tau (kent state university)

!!!

Happy Friday!

Y’all goin???

Classic For Columbus

This is going to be FUN!!!

Happy Thursday!

As we prepare for the 2021 Lima Educational Field Trip, we want to recognize and honor Buckeye Charter Service, and our driver Mr. Major Amerson!

For decades, both have been loyal supporters of efforts to provide educational, cultural and recreational experiences to youth (and adults) in our community.

Even in the midst of the COVID pandemic, they’ve committed to ensuring the safety of our group. This includes securing a Hydroxyl Generator (https://youtu.be/Xj1s-zjXulM) from OMG Sanitizing Ohio, to protect our group from the spread of bacteria, germs and virus (including COVID)!

It’s a pleasure to serve with like-minded individuals and organizations. This is going to be FUN!!!

(ps - There are 6 seats still available for this trip. Call 419-236-8947, as online orders have closed.)

Happy Monday Y’all!!!

Quick question... “Wheres YOUR seat(s)???”

There are a few seats remaining in our group. Order yours online, or call 419-236-8947 with any questions. THANKS!!!

Happy Friday!

What they said...

Happy Friday (... the 13th)!!! Don’t be “Last Minute Louie” regarding this trip! Louie will get LEFT!!! 💯

Happy Sunday! Such an honor and privilege to expose area youth to post-secondary educational options and opportunities.

https://www.limaohio.com/news/470489/field-trip-gives-lima-students-a-taste-of-black-colleges

The 2021 Lima Educational Field Trip will take place on Saturday August 28th, at The Classic For Columbus. Join us for a day of information, exposure, networking and entertainment.

Registration is underway, on a first-served basis. See flier for the link...

A limited amount of scholarship support is available. Please call 419-236-8947 for details. (Under the age of 16 requires an adult chaperone 18 years or older)

THANK YOU The SJF Foundation, Cowan College & Career Connections, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - Sigma Mu Omega Chapter, Classic for Columbus, CageDesign LLC, Jones-Clark Funeral Home, The Lima News, Your Hometown Stations - Lima Ohio, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Dayton Alumni Chapter), Central State University, Kentucky State University, Je'Niya Allen, Calia Moseley, Jon Derryberry, Doretha H. White, and Londell Smith & Associates.

Field trip gives Lima students a taste of Black colleges - The Lima News LIMA — All it took was one trip south to convince Calia Moseley that a historically Black college or university, or HBCU for short, was for her.

Happy Wednesday!

This is going to be EPIC!!! Get your seats TODAY!!!

A LIMITED amount of partial scholarships are now available. Call 419-236-8947 for details.

https://www.hometownstations.com/news/allen_county/the-smith-jones-family-foundation-organizing-the-2021-lima-educational-field-trip/article_160b60f6-ef14-11eb-bcc1-47d39985112e.html

Happy Wednesday! We are excited to announce the 2021 Lima Educational Field Trip, at the Classic For Columbus (Saturday August 28th). This experience will include a private reception with both Central State University and Kentucky State University (discussing school history, programs/majors, campus life, sports, scholarships, financial aid and the admissions process), along with networking opportunities at the HBCU College & Career Fair, Tailgating and excellent seats (Ohio Stadium Section 22AA, Rows 4-6) for the Football Game and Battle of the Bands! Seats are available NOW, on a first-served basis!

Happy Thursday! Attention college-bound seniors!!!

Attention Seniors...

Here’s another one...

$2,000 No Essay Scholarship Open to all high school and college students.

Happy Saturday! APPLY TODAY!!!

24 Scholarships To Apply To By The End Of December - The Scholarship System With Christmas break here, students have some extra time on their hands. Here are 23 scholarships to apply to by the end of December.