The College Expo was developed in 1999 as the Black College Expo, in direct response to the passage of California Proposition 209, banning affirmative action policies and severing a vital link between minorities and college admissions. Theresa Price, President of Jabez3 Enterprises, Inc. saw a need for an event that offered young people options and simultaneously provided them opportunities to enhance their self-esteem. Building on this framework, she licensed and trademarked the concept of The Black College Expo™. The First Annual Black College Expo was held in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 26, 2000 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. About 5,000 students and parents were expected to attend; instead…the attendance reached an amazing 35,000!

Not only were attendees excited about the event, the colleges and universities who participated were thrilled with the outcome. They received thousands of applications from enthusiastic applicants who were excited to see an array of colleges and the opportunities offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Prior to these events, Historically Black Colleges and Universities had less than 3% of their enrollment coming from California. Participating colleges have now reported increases of as much as 20%. To date, NCRF/The College Expo has contributed to the educational system by directly assisting in over a quarter of a million college applications and, thanks to individuals, sponsors, and fundraising has awarded over a half of million scholarships.