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NATIONAL BLACK GRADS

 
 

The National Black Grads (NBG) organization honors the work and achievements of graduating high school seniors. This proposal seeks district sponsorship for graduating high school seniors to participate in the annual Inland Empire High School Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony held at California State University, San Bernardino Coussoulis Arena, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

For more than a decade, NBG has proudly partnered with school districts throughout the Inland Empire to celebrate academic excellence, affirm cultural identity, and strengthen college- and career-going pathways for students and their families. The cost is $65 per student, and in alignment with district improvement plans and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) priorities for African American Student Achievement, NBG will continue to expand culturally responsive family engagement and postsecondary readiness.  To keep students connected and reinforce a college-going culture, the Recognition Ceremony will host college and career information tables for students who may still be finalizing post-secondary plans. These opportunities will include Community College Umoja programs and other trusted community-based partners.

Please see the information below regarding the 2026 Inland Empire High School Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony. We look forward to honoring the graduates this year with you! Our scholarship application is open until February 28, 2026, please encourage students to apply. 

Important Information

  • All students must register online by March 20, 2026, or until capacity is reached
  • Students may register at nationalblackgrad.org or  https://bit.ly/2026IEBLACKGRAD
  • If school sites would like assistance with registration, NBG staff are available to facilitate onsite registration at a mutually agreed-upon date and time.
  • NBG Scholarship Application Deadline is February 28th, 2026: https://bit.ly/2026NBGSCHOLARSHIP

 

 

NBG also offers Power Talks: Career Connections, a monthly, virtual career exploration series designed to expose students to high-demand, high-wage career pathways, including options not requiring a traditional four-year degree. This ongoing engagement model ensures sustained student exposure beyond a single event.

Power Talks Registration: https://bit.ly/PowerTalks2026

Career Sectors Include:

  • Technology & Innovation
  • Healthcare & Wellness
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Sustainable Energy & Environmental Studies
  • Creative Arts & Media
  • Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Finance & Investment