Waukegan Township asks Warren Township board to sponsor five students on HBCU college tour; board signals support pending logistics

Waukegan Township Supervisor Mark Jones presented the board on Feb. 17 about a 12‑year HBCU college‑tour program that offers guided visits to historically Black colleges and universities and other sites. Jones asked the Warren Township High School District 121 board to sponsor five Warren students for the March 21 trip, estimating the district cost at less than $5,000.

Jones said the tour covers meals and lodging for students, that past participants have included students from a range of Lake County districts, and that the program has had positive outcomes: "We've had more than, I'd say, 60–65% of our participants go on to colleges and universities," he said, offering the trips as a way to increase exposure and college aspirations among students who might otherwise lack such opportunities.

Board members and staff raised procedural questions about selection criteria, whether sponsorship would set a precedent, and where funds would be allocated (directly to the program or via district scholarship mechanisms). A school counselor explained that applications had been distributed to counselors and teachers and that the HBCU program accepts nominations and direct applicants.

Several board members said they supported the idea in principle but wanted to avoid creating an open precedent without clearer criteria. One board member suggested treating this as a one‑year exception to meet the tight timeline and to develop a formal process for subsequent years. Board members noted existing options such as the board scholarship fund and student activity funds as possible internal budget mechanisms to cover a small, near‑term contribution.

No formal vote was taken that night. The board asked staff to verify the number of Warren applicants and the degree of demonstrated financial need, and to return with a recommendation or an approval pathway at the next meeting if feasible.