2017 Hbcu Tour Press Kit

Presented by Waukegan Township & Partners

Patricia Jones, M. Ed Waukegan Township Supervisor

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WAUKEGAN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE • 149 S. GENESEE ST. WAUKEGAN, IL (847) 244-4900. For details visit our website at: www.waukegantownship.com Trustees: Katherine Rothwell -Francis • Percy L. Johnson • Jeff McBride • Charles “Chuck” Willms

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For the past four years, Waukegan Township has undertaken its own community initiative “Investing in Our Future�.

Whether its providing a boost to the booster club, providing funding for a local middle school trip to Springfield or just providing a day with a movie, mentors and positive activities, Waukegan Township has taken a stand that our children are the future of our country and we must start with them.

Each year the Artis Yancey Historically Black College and University tour, takes approx. 25 students on a 7-10 day trip to visit Historical Black Colleges & Universities. This HBCU Tour Experience consists of a bus trip taken during spring break.

Students range from the 9th through 12th grades.

Along with the college visits and tours, the students also visit local museums and historical sites to round out their experience. Statistics show that the Northshore area only has a 75% graduation rate compared to 87% state wide.

According to counselors and teachers, it is estimated that only 30% of those graduating in the district go on to a post secondary educational institution. Waukegan Township and its partners want to enhance the opportunities for those wanting to attend a college or university after high school.

While on the tour, students will be immersed in campus life, exposed to culture and history first hand. More importantly, students will have the educational advantage of moving forward from high school to institutions of higher learning. An additional benefit is the monthly informational sessions which provide college-prep workshops for those students who decide to become participants in the tour.

In 2015 the tour was renamed to honor an outstanding humanitarian, Mr. Artis Yancey, who served the City of Waukegan as a highly respected Police Detective and Chief of Police as well as the first African American elected to the office of Waukegan City Clerk. Mr. Yancey is also heralded as being the first African American Coroner in Lake County. The legacy of Artis Yancey represents dedication to the City of Waukegan and Community; especially the youth. He passionately believed in the power of higher education and providing high school students with the opportunity of the onsite experience of touring Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the United States. For several years, Chief Yancey unselfishly volunteered his time as a chaperone, providing parents the comfort of knowing their children were in good hands and to the students, he provided insight to the options that were available to them.

Current HBCU Tour $1000 Club Members: Supervisor Patricia Jones - M.Ed, Dr. Al Baldwin, Gwen Long-Beckwith - M.Ed, Dr. Bethel Cager, Dr. Phil Carrigan & Mary Clare Jakes, Cornerstone Educational Foundation, Designer LifeStyles, Friends of Financial Aid, Trustee Percy L. Johnson, Joseph Ligaya- Fidelity Investments, Trustee Jeff McBride, Eleanor Murkey - Ret. Dean, Torrie Newsome - Esq. & Alderman Edith Newsome, Dulce Ortiz - HR, Lynda Paul - CFP/CPA/MBA, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Trustee Katherine RothwellFrancis, Assessor Mark Stricklin, Tim Vinson - Agent State Farm Insurance, Dierdre K. White - Esq., Mary Carnes Woods - Entrepreneur, and Tamara Yancey - Legacy

How are the students selected for the college tour?

Students are selected on a first come, first served basis. If, after reaching the maximum students, there needs to be a process of elimination (in order not to exceed our target) our committee has set basic criteria for each student to meet. Points will be awarded for each area, which include a face to face interview.

What are the qualifications of the chaperons for the trip?

All chaperons for the trip have been screened thoroughly and have had criminal background checks performed.

Chaperons will also undergo CPR/First Aid certification training prior to the trip.

Is there a dress code for the trip?

A full dress code policy will be provided.

Do students have to live in the Lake County area?

Students are not required to live in the state of Illinois and they can reside outside of Lake County, IL. *There is an additional fee for students outside of the Lake County, IL area.

2017 HBCU committee: Patricia Jones, M. Ed., Tom Abbott, Lillie Abbott, Torrie Newsome, Esq., Ronnel Ewing, Jennifer Witherspoon, Esq., Gwen Beckwith, Dr. Sylvia M. Johnson Jones, Mark Stricklin, Mary Carnes Woods, Min. Warren Thomas, Pearl Lawson, Lorraine Harris, Bruce Brown, Beverly Phelps, Dr. Sharon Sanders-Funnye, Mary Swopes, Sylvia England, Dr. Wade Stevenson, Tracey Johnson, Pastor Eugene Roberson, Demond D. Edwards, Gary McElvy, Dr. Reginald Spears, Kahlil Hogan, Dr. Verna Wilson, Dr. Alphonso Baldwin, Chief Richard Wilson, Charles Jones, and Ta'Mya Jarrett (Youth Representative).