Berkeley Scholar College Tour

Here is the press release that the city of Cambridge, MA is circulating in anticipation of the scholar's arrival.

MEDIA ALERT WHAT: Mayor Simmons to give Berkeley Scholars "Keys to the City" WHERE: Cambridge City Hall WHEN: April 9, 2009, 4:00 p.m. WHO: The Berkeley Scholars Program, a long-term academic program for African American youth, chooses a cohort of "scholars" in the 4th grade and follows them through High School graduation with comprehensive support. Scholars receive a UC Berkeley mentor, tutorial support, a weekly Saturday Academy and Summer Academy, all to expose the scholars to a college-going culture and help cultivate the habits that result in academic excellence. The scholars, currently in 9th grade hold an overall 3.43 grade point average. In 2008, Berkeley Scholars established an annual college tour to reward its scholars for their commitment to achievement and to bring their dreams of going to a top-tier University to life. This trip to Cambridge will serve as the 2009 college tour for the Berkeley Scholars. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 25 African American 9th grade scholars will be visiting Cambridge April 7 - 11, 2009 Cambridge Hotels that will donate rooms to the Berkeley Scholars program are: Hotel Marlowe Hyatt Regency of Cambridge Inn at Harvard Royal Sonesta While in Cambridge, the Berkeley Scholars will: Receive the keys to the city and have a special reception with Mayor of Cambridge Meet the first African American Massachusetts State Supreme Court Judge, Judge Ireland Take a cruise on the Charles River hosted by the Charles Riverboat Cruise Company Attend the Black Heritage Tour in Boston Have dinner and panel discussion on education with the Young People's Project MEDIA CONTACT: Leandrew Robinson Founder, Berkeley Scholars LeandrewR@gmail.com 1-510-978-6565

This is the second year of this trip and again I'm amazed on how all the pieces come together. I think this is a testament to the scholar's hard work and the Berkeley Scholar's program model. Just five minutes ago a current MIT student, who heard about the trip went out of his way to contact me to let me know he lobbied for us to receive FREE lunch after our visit with MIT. In addition he is working on getting us lunch at Harvard University and Tufts. I love to see so many people excited to greet and honor our Berkeley Scholars - it's truly an honor.