BLACK COLLEGE TOUR
PINKARD INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISES

African American high school students in Ventura County are approximately 4-5%.  The population of the African American role models in the high schools in Ventura County is also negligible.  In an effort to inspire, encourage, and assist minority youth, specifically African American youth, to attain high educational goals.  Thus, the Black College Tour was initiated!

Bedford & Dr. Irene Pinkard
A Former Councilman and Retired Educator

Dr. Irene G. Pinkard, retired educator, and consultant and former Councilman Bedford Pinkard, an advocate for youth for over 36 years, began the Black College Tour (BCT) in Ventura County in 1990.  The purpose of the BCT is to expose African American students in Ventura County to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) who offer them alternative educational opportunities outside of the traditional colleges and provide Aftrican-American role models in higher education institutions.

Joseph & Barbara (Bobbie) Richards

Joe and Bobbie Richards joined Pinkard Innovative Enterprises (PIE) as tour coordinators and chaperones in 2004.  They are both educators in the Ventura Unified School District.  Joe is the Deputy Superintendent of Business Services and has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution.  Bobbie is a High School Counselor and has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling.  They are both mentors and advocates for young people.  They use their life experiences as teaching tools to inspire young people to dream and believe they can be the best they can be under any circumstances.