ATLANTA (Jan. 28, 2026) – The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta has announced their expanded Black History Month celebration, reinforcing its commitment to education, access and the lasting impact of Black excellence in college football. In addition to the recently unveiled “Ascension: Rise of the Black Quarterback” exhibit, which examines the historic evolution of Black quarterbacks in college football, The Hall will be partnering with Kia America and Coca-Cola to once again offer its HBCU scholarship opportunity, as well as free admission throughout the month of February to college students.

“Black History Month is not only a time to reflect, but a time to act,” said Kimberly Beaudin, President and CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. “At The Hall, we have a responsibility to honor the tremendous contributions of Black athletes, coaches and leaders by ensuring the next generation has access to education, opportunity and inspiration, and we’re proud to work alongside partners like Kia and Coca-Cola to make a meaningful impact in our community.”

— Kimberly Beaudin, President and CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame

After successfully awarding $75,000 worth of scholarships over the last three years, The Hall is proud to continue its partnership with Kia America’s “Accelerate the Good” program to offer scholarships for the upcoming academic year. The program is looking to fund five scholarships of $5,000 each to high school seniors planning to attend, or students currently enrolled at, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, especially students pursuing degrees in STEM, the arts and related fields, and those with aspirations to compete at the collegiate level.

Applications for the HBCU Scholarship will be accepted through March 31, 2026. To apply, applicants must submit an official application, a current resume, an essay on why they should be selected, and an interview, which can all be submitted here. Students must also meet the following criteria:

• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Demonstrate an unmet financial need
• Intent to major in one of the following disciplines: Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Medicine, Physics, Applied Sciences, Material Sciences; Technology – Aeronautics, Automotive Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mechanical Sciences, Technical/Vocational Majors (involving machines, computers, technologies); Engineering– All engineering fields, such as Applied, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, etc.; Arts – Design, Graphics, Architecture, Fashion, Fine Arts, Studio Arts, Motion Pictures/Television; Entertainment Arts (other design-driven arts); Math – Math, Applied Math, Statistics

Additionally, The Hall has partnered with Coca-Cola to offer free admission during the month of February to college students who visit the Box Office and provide a valid student ID, while supplies last. This initiative allows young people to experience the powerful stories, achievements and legacy of Black athletes, coaches and leaders who have helped shape college football, such as those found in the Southern Company “Celebrating HBCUs” exhibit, which highlights HBCU gameday atmosphere, standout players and coaches, and is the first motion-based AI installation at The Hall.

Together, these two initiatives underscore The Hall’s mission to celebrate the game of college football while serving as an inclusive, educational resource for students and families. By combining access-driven programming with long-term educational investment, the College Football Hall of Fame ensures their Black History Month celebration extends beyond February, and helps support future leaders on and off the field.

For more information about the College Football Hall of Fame, including hours of operation, ticket prices, and other visitor guidelines, please visit cfbhall.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Arielle Cadet | arielle@babbitbodner.com

About the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

The national Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is dedicated to its mission to inspire and entertain by celebrating the passion and traditions of college football and its greatest players and coaches.  The Hall celebrates the universal values of hard work, integrity and perseverance and fulfills its mission through storytelling, impactful programs and unique experiences focused on the core of preservation, celebration, and inspiration.  Located in the heart of Atlanta's sports, entertainment and tourism district, the Hall provides visitors with a highly immersive, interactive, and engaging experience using a blend of historic college football artifacts and state-of-the-art, interactive multimedia exhibits. The National Football Foundation (NFF) founded the Hall in 1951 to immortalize the greatest players and coaches as role models for future generations and established its new home in Atlanta in 2014. The College Football Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that provides a national platform for community outreach, education, and character development initiatives, and serves as a premier special event venue. For more information on the Hall, a 10-year TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence recipient, please visit www.cfbhall.com.