Inside COBA’s Unforgettable Baltimore College Tour

In April 2025, a group of motivated young athletes from COBA embarked on a journey that would forever change their perspective. The HBCU College Tour was not just about visiting schools; it was about envisioning possibilities. The tour was planned and executed by Elite Tertiary Consulting LLC and is COBA’s first HBCU Tour.

1. Real Campus Life, Up Close

The tour kicked off with visits to Delaware State University, Morgan State University, Coppin State University, the University of the District of Columbia, and Howard University. Students walked the campuses, connected with current undergraduates, and immersed themselves in academic and cultural life. The trip concluded with a visit to Virginia State University.

At Morgan State University, the students received an exclusive overview of how to prepare for academic life at the college level. They engaged with business majors at the Earl Graves School of Business, where those students shared the unique connections, they had formed with Fortune 500 companies while still undergraduates. COBA students walked across the historic Freedom Bridge and viewed the halls dedicated to MSU students and community members who participated in the 1963 March on Washington.

At Howard University, the students experienced what it was like to walk the campus of a Black Ivy League university. They participated in a Wellness Fair and learned about the significance of HBCUs, along with the history behind academic halls and buildings named after figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

“I’ve gained so much knowledge about black history and the plight of gaining a college degree as a person of color”, said Elian D.

At Coppin State University, the students learned about Greek Life and student activities. They discovered how fraternities and sororities promote leadership, service, and unity across campus, particularly among students of color. Inspired by the experience, COBA students left eager to seek out similar communities in their future college endeavors.

“I always thought Greek Life was just about parties,” said Rayne H., “but I saw how much mentorship and service are involved.”

2. Ocean Life & Inner Strength

The group also enjoyed a visit to the Baltimore National Aquarium, a favorite spot among students. Surrounded by jellyfish and giant sea turtles, they were reminded that strength comes in many forms, and that survival—like success—is about adapting to one’s environment. The students learned a further lesson about the forms of inner strength and perseverance from the National Museum of African American History. There the students toured for hours, soaking in the years of history on store.

3. Dining with Purpose at NOLA Baltimore

At NOLA Restaurant in Baltimore, students not only enjoyed a meal but also learned valuable lessons. Owner Ricardo Jones, a Howard University graduate and HBCU alumnus, shared his candid experience of building his business from the ground up. He offered advice on branding, community support, and transitioning from ideas to execution.

“His story made me believe that I can own something too,” said Athony W. “That restaurant was his dream, and he made it a reality.”

4. From Exploration to Execution

From discovering the impact of HBCUs to learning about Greek Life and hearing how business ownership is attainable for individuals like them, students returned home motivated and energized.

This trip reaffirmed what COBA has always believed: our youth are leaders in the making; they just need the right experiences to ignite their ambition.