Empower Skyline High Seniors: Support HBCU Tour

Dear Supporters,

My name is Kyle Jackson, though my students at Skyline High School in Oakland, California, know me as Mr. Jackson. I have the privilege of teaching students from 9th through 12th grade in a course called Mastering Our Cultural Identity. This class is dedicated to guiding our young men as they grow into confident, resourceful, and successful individuals—equipping them with the skills, knowledge, experiences, and self-assurance to excel both personally and academically.

As part of this mission, I am excited to take a group of Black senior students on a life-changing Historical Black College and University (HBCU) Tour.

Purpose of the Trip

The goal of this tour is to introduce these young men to the legacy and opportunities of HBCUs and show them firsthand what Black excellence looks like. For many of these students, this trip will be a series of firsts: the first time flying, leaving the state, visiting a college or university, wearing a suit, or interacting with Black professionals in leadership roles. It is an experience that will inspire them to dream big and pursue higher education with determination.

Beyond exposure to these prestigious institutions, the students will:

• Apply to the colleges we visit.

• Document the trip through photos and a short film recap, showcasing their creativity and storytelling.

• Build confidence through new experiences, including professional networking.

About the Students

We are thrilled to be taking seven seniors, four of whom have GPAs above 3.3 and are pursuing careers in engineering and computer science. The other three students are talented athletes with aspirations in business and medicine.

Our Fundraising Goal

To make this dream a reality, we need to raise $25,000. These funds will cover:

• Airfare and transportation

• Hotel accommodations

• Meals

• Suit rentals (via Men’s Wearhouse)

• Visits to museums, historical landmarks, and cultural sites, including the Civil Rights Museum and the College Football Hall of Fame

The trip is scheduled for April 7th–April 13th, 2025. We will visit Atlanta, Georgia, exploring Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Morris Brown College. Every student will apply to each of these schools as part of the tour.

This experience will leave an indelible mark on these young men and their families, offering them inspiration, growth, and a vision for their future.

How You Can Help

Your support can help us transform these students’ lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring us closer to our goal. Your generosity will not only fund a trip but also invest in the future of our community.

Thank you for considering supporting this journey. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs.

Sincerely,

Kyle Jackson

AAMA Facilitator

Skyline High School