It’s hard to describe life & learning at Historically Black Colleges & Universities; you have to experience it yourself.
Take The HBCU Tour
The American South holds the stories of our country’s Black history, and many of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities began right there in the midst of it. Visiting these campuses does more than enlighten, it fosters a sense of pride in Black Excellence that can change the life of a young person, no matter their race. We know, because we experienced it!
But there’s a problem: Cedar Valley students are hours (often many hours!) from the closest HBCUs, so they’re forced to learn about them by scrolling through pictures online or reading a glossy brochure. We believe that our students deserve to experience these sacred places up close and in person—to walk the halls where the Greats got their start. Because it’s hard to be what you’ve never seen.
That’s why we crafted a college tour just for our students. The itinerary gives young people an opportunity to immerse themselves in Black history, tour a selection of HBCUs, and expand their vision of what could be.
You don't want to miss this.
Hi, we’re Shaffer & Madelyn Ridgeway,
As high school students, we were both lucky to have mentors who introduced us to HBCUs, or as we like to say, higher education that felt like it was made just for us.
Now, it’s our mission to offer the same introduction to the budding leaders within our reach.
OUR BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
We served in our church as youth leaders early in our marriage, and we had the opportunity to travel with a group of young people to Branson, MO every year. From this experience, we learned the joys (and tricks!) of leading successful learning experiences for kids.
Madelyn Ridgeway graduated from Alabama A&M University, an HBCU school, with a master's degree in Family & Consumer Sciences. She was the founding coordinator of LifeLabs, a service-based program unique to Waterloo Schools. Madelyn also coaches students and adults in personal branding, etiquette and networking skills, and works with a community-based organization, 24/7 BLAC.
Madelyn met her husband, Shaffer, during her time at Alabama A&M, where she learned his unique story of attending an HBCU.
Shaffer Ridgeway was raised in a rural Alabama town. It was always assumed by many that he would graduate and work in the local paper mill, just like his father had at one time.
While he was in high school, his ag teacher encouraged Shaffer's interest in agriculture, and he introduced the possibility of attending college at Alabama A&M.
Shaffer's teacher arranged a college visit to an HBCU school, and for the first time, he could clearly picture a future beyond the paper mill.
Shaffer became the first in his family to graduate from a university. (This is the power of exposure!) He attended Alabama A&M University and earned a degree in Agribusiness and an internship with the USDA, which resulted in a fulfilling agricultural career.
He and Madelyn now live in Iowa with their three children.
COMPLETE FUTURE PREP ACADEMY
Understanding what’s possible is first.
Students start by applying to our Future Prep Academy, a six-month program designed to help young people in Blackhawk County build a strong foundation in key areas, like life skills, financial literacy, creating community, and mental health. Completing Future Prep Academy is a prerequisite for the HBCU Tour.
APPLY FOR THE HBCU TOUR
Experiencing the unimaginable is second.
Graduates of Future Prep Academy may apply to join us by bus or plane on a most-expenses-paid visit to the HBCU highlights of the year. Keep scrolling to explore a trip that includes campus tours, a visit to a historical site linked to our heritage, and getting loud at an HBCU football game!
BREAK THROUGH BARRIERS
Embracing exploration is forever.
We are always identifying ways to remove barriers for HBCU-exploring students, like recruitment fairs and credit transfer agreements with local colleges. Above all, we hope to inspire students to never stop exploring what’s beyond their view.
Larya P.
Those moments are some of the best moments in my high school career. If I hadn't gone on that trip, I don't think I would be the same person. It kind of changes you in the sense that it matures you and makes you think about your future more.
Reagan C.
I think that it's really important for us to get these kinds of experiences. . . I didn't know if I wanted to go to an HBCU or if I just wanted to stay here and get it over with. But going on this trip, it was really eye opening to see the community and see how everybody can come together.
Explore the 2026 itinerary.
This year, we’re heading back to where it all began- Alabama & Tennessee! Here are the highlights we can’t wait to experience with this new cohort of students.
Campus Tour:
Founded in 1875 in Huntsville, Alabama, is a historic HBCU and 1890 land-grant institution known for academic excellence, innovation, and community impact. Offering more than 60 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, Alabama A&M has produced leaders across fields including education, science, engineering, entrepreneurship, law, and public service, while maintaining a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service.
Campus Tour:
Founded in 1867 in Marion, Alabama, is a historic HBCU known for academic excellence, leadership development, and a strong commitment to public service. Now located in Montgomery, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama State offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs and has produced influential leaders such as civil rights attorney Fred Gray and Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, reflecting its long-standing impact on education, justice, and community leadership.
Campus Tour:
TSU was founded in 1912 in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a historic HBCU known for academic excellence, research, and leadership development. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Tennessee State has produced influential alumni such as NFL Hall of Famer Eddie George, soul music legend Al Green, and trailblazing media mogul Oprah Winfrey, all reflecting the university’s impact across sports, entertainment, business, and public leadership.
Campus Tour:
Tuskegee University (formely Tuskegee Institute) is a private, historic HBCU foundin in 1881 in Tuskegee, Alabama, it is known for academic excellence, innovation, and leadership rooted in service. Established by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee has produced influential leaders such as George Washington Carver and the Tuskegee Airmen, reflecting the university’s lasting impact in education, science, aviation, and public leadership.
Football Game:
Historical Site Visit:
Located in Montgomery, Alabama, thes sites offer a powerful and essential historic experience. Together, these sites share the racial history of the South while honoring the lives impacted and highlighting the ongoing pursuit of justice. This visit provides students with critical historical context, reflection, and a deeper understanding of how the past shapes present-day equity, leadership, and responsibility.
Each day brings more learning opportunities, so we meet each evening to discuss our experiences. While the college tours are the focus of our trip, we pack our days with activities that may be new to participants—beach days, civil rights landmarks, and more! Many of our students have been in the minority. Here, they are so much more.
During their time at Future Prep Academy, students develop a list of their college requirements and priorities. During the HBCU Tour, they update their lists and consider how each school could best meet their needs. We know that an HBCU school may not be the best fit for every student, but we love showing them what is possible!
