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