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<p>WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools have a 70 percent persistence rate of students remaining enrolled in college, their first year (Class of 2018), and only 50 percent of students enrolled in a post-secondary education program attained a degree (Class of 2015); and</p><p>WHEREAS: According to the Cambridge Community Foundation’s Equity and Innovation Report: The State of Black Cambridge, only 33.5 percent of Black adults over the age of twenty-five in Cambridge have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in comparison to other race and culture groups who range from 51 percent to 92 percent; and</p><p>WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools has been designated as an early college district by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and has made significant investments in providing resources and opportunities for students to attend college and attain a degree through its Early College Initiative; and</p><p>WHEREAS: Kyrk Morris is the Founder of Citizens of the World, Inc., a non-profit agency which provides education and recreation experiences for youth and adults, provided college tours to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) including, Cheyney University, Lincoln University, Morgan State, Coppin State, Bowie State, Howard University, The University of the District of Columbia, and Delaware State University for students to stay overnight in those cities, meet with alumni, and understand the college experience before applying; and</p><p>WHEREAS: On April 18-22, 2022, 20 students from Cambridge and 34 students in total went on the tour and from the exposure many of them plan to apply to one or more of the schools visited; and</p><p>WHEREAS: Citizens of the World, Inc raised roughly $29,000 primarily from community members through their GoFundMe campaign; and</p><p>WHEREAS: The cost for each student is about $750, which includes meals, travel, and hotels; now</p><p>therefore be it</p><p>RESOLVED: That the Cambridge Public Schools and Superintendent explore the feasibility of partnering with the Citizens of the World organization and other college and career preparation programs so that more Cambridge Rindge and Latin students can participate in tours of various colleges and universities including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to increase attendance and completion of Cambridge students in college; and be it further</p><p>RESOLVED: That the Cambridge School Committee and Superintendent go on record recognizing Kyrk Morris, of Citizens of the World, Inc, and the amazing adult chaperones who accompanied the 20 students who attended the inaugural HBCU tour in spring 2022.</p>