State College Area High School's stage was lit up with talent Friday night in an effort to help area students visit black colleges throughout the country.

Organized by the Black Caucus Mentoring Program, the African American Support Group (AASG) Talent Show consisted of a variety of acts, from spoken word to piano playing. Both local high school students and Penn State students took the stage.

The $3 admission fee went toward the AASG's Historically Black College Tour, which takes high school students to black colleges in April.

"All the money goes towards the Historically Black College Tour, and I'm glad to help these high school students out," Richard Lancaster (junior-hotel restaurant and institutional management) said.

The North Auditorium of the school was nearly packed when the show began, and more community members poured in throughout the program.

DJ Forensic Unit kept the audience pumped up in between acts with eardrum-blasting, upbeat music.

The first part of the talent show included energetic stepping by the State College High School group Hot Steperz, and was followed by a lulling acoustic piece performed by high school student Chris Good entitled Reality Check. Omega Psi Phi fraternity also performed a rousing step/rap number that captivated the audience, with nearly every head bobbing to the rhythm.

The Hot Steperz won first place in the high school competition, and Craig Johnson won second for his original rap. FLAYMZ dance group won first for the college portion of the competition.

Even intermission kept the crowd entertained. Students and community members were dancing in the aisles and in the lobby as the DJ played songs.

The second part of the talent show started with a piano performance, which was supposed to be followed by a step program by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. However, fraternity president Jabari Hall said his fraternity was unable to perform because some of the performers were injured.

Despite his group being unable to perform, Hall said he was impressed by the show.

"I think it's a great opportunity for young adults to display their talent and for the community to come and see what they are doing," he said. Donations can be made by contacting Black Caucus Mentoring Program Coordinator Shanelle Watts at sww123@psu.edu.