Cambridge Letter of Support
Cambridge Letter of Support #1
Office of Family Engagement
459 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 349-6400 | www.cpsd.us
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to share my strong support for the College Preparedness Workshop series led by Dr. Chris Vick, with whom I had the privilege of working closely for two academic years. Together, we developed and facilitated the Parent College Academy, a program designed to empower parents and caregivers to actively support their students in navigating the path to postsecondary education.
The mission of the Parent College Academy is to equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to serve as force multipliers in their children’s educational journeys. The series walked Cambridge Public Schools families step by step through the college selection and admissions process, ensuring they were better prepared to advocate for and guide their students.
This work was particularly impactful for parents and caregivers of color, as well as for families relatively new to the country. By creating a welcoming, culturally responsive environment, the program addressed systemic barriers and gave families access to resources and information that too often remain out of reach.
The impact of the program was evident. Parents consistently shared that they felt more informed, supported, and confident in helping their students pursue higher education. Many remarked that before attending, the process felt overwhelming and inaccessible, but the Academy broke it down into manageable steps and provided a supportive community in which questions could be asked and answered. For some families, this was the first time they saw college as a realistic and attainable path for their children.
In my view, the Parent College Academy exemplifies the type of intervention that districts across the country should replicate. It not only provides parents with practical knowledge but also empowers them as leaders in their children’s educational success. Dr. Vick’s expertise, commitment, and culturally affirming approach were key to the program’s success and its lasting impact on the Cambridge Public Schools community.
I enthusiastically recommend this work as a model for other districts seeking to close opportunity gaps and build stronger pathways to postsecondary education for historically underserved families.
Sincerely,
Manny Jeudy
Family Engagement Office
Cambridge Public Schools
Cambridge Letter of Support #2
October 21, 2025
Subject: Professional Reference for Dr. Chris Vick
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I offer this professional reference for Dr. Chris Vick. Dr. Vick served as a highly valued consultant for our Early College at Cambridge Public Schools program from 2023 through 2025, playing an important role in the development and of our college readiness programming over that two-year period.
Throughout his engagement, Dr. Vick consistently demonstrated exceptional professional energy, expertise, and profound wisdom in his work. A defining characteristic of his consulting was his ability to bring his own lived experience into his instruction, which allowed him to forge a deeper, more authentic connection with our students and make the material feel relevant.
Dr. Vick began his association with us as a highly effective guest speaker, distinguishing himself through his ability to connect with students and staff. He subsequently took on the lead consultant role for monthly “First Friday College Seminar” programming over two semesters Under his leadership, this seminar series was revitalized. Dr. Vick excels at transforming complex, often intimidating topics like financial aid, standardized testing, and the college application process into high-energy, exciting, and engaging educational experiences.
Key contributions that make Dr. Vick an outstanding consultant include:
- Authentic Instruction: Leveraging his lived experience to provide students with empathetic and practical guidance, enhancing his professional wisdom.
- Program Leadership: Successfully structuring and leading a critical recurring seminar series for two semesters, resulting in improved college readiness among participants.
- Individualized Support: Providing valuable one-on-one advising to our seniors, demonstrating a dedication to personalized student success that extends beyond group instruction.
Dr. Vick operates with professionalism and a strong commitment to achieving measurable results. He is constantly thinking up new ways to improve student programming and connect students in meaningful, relatable ways. I confidently recommend him to any organization seeking a consultant who can bring energy, creative curriculum design, and an authentic perspective to their educational initiatives.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further details regarding Dr. Vick’s service to our program.
Sincerely,
Michael O’Shea, PhD
Early College Program Manager
Michael.denis.oshea@gmail.com
(773) 701-3786