INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana University will have a significant presence at the 47th annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, which runs through Sunday, July 16, in Indianapolis.

"I'm thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, an occasion with an incredibly proud tradition that resonates locally, across the state and nationwide," said James Wimbush, IU's vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs, dean of the University Graduate School and the Johnson Professor for Diversity and Leadership. "This annual event truly benefits the community, and I'm appreciative of the fact that IU can help it grow."

IU has been a proud supporter of the Summer Celebration, one of the largest African-American cultural events in the country, for more than three decades.

Representatives from each of IU's eight campuses and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education will be on hand for 21st Century Scholars Days, July 15 and 16. At the IU booth in the Indiana Convention Center exhibition hall, prospective students can learn more about academics and student life at IU. They can also learn about the 21st Century Scholars Program -- Indiana's four-year, full-tuition scholarship -- sign up to be a scholar, check their status as a scholar or complete their program requirements.

Prospective students and 21st Century Scholars may register by Wednesday, July 12, to receive a free IU gift bag at the Summer Celebration.

In addition to 21st Century Scholars Days, IU is sponsoring several other activities at the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, including the Indiana University Education Conference, which takes place Thursday, July 13. The conference, which will focus on issues such as college access and retention for underrepresented minority students, features keynote speakers Marc Lamont Hill, a renowned scholar and journalist, and Ron Clark, founder of the Ron Clark Academy, a school in Atlanta. 

Among the presenters at the conference are Alexander McCormick, director of the National Survey for Student Engagement and IU Bloomington associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies, and Pamella Shaw, IU School of Dentistry associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion.

McCormick's workshop, "Advancing Student Learning and Success in College: What the Evidence Shows," will use comprehensive survey data to discuss engagement, retention, learning and success for traditionally underrepresented students in higher education. Shaw's presentation, "High-Impact Practices for Access and Success," will focus on preparing students for the transition from high school to college, undergraduate success, career selection and preparation for graduate education. 

IU is also the presenting sponsor of the annual Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon and Awards Presentation on Friday, July 13. The largest luncheon in the state of Indiana, this gathering of corporate, government and community leaders is a unique networking opportunity and the Summer Celebration's signature event.

Summer Celebration consumer exhibits are open Friday to Sunday, July 14 to 16. IU's booth in the exhibition hall will feature a wide array of activities, such as free photos with the mascots from each of IU's campuses, virtual-reality experiences and a physics demonstration from IU Bloomington research scientist Garfield Warren.

The IU Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs has posted a full schedule of IU-related activities taking place at the Summer Celebration.