I was a CPS student in underserved neighborhoods, and I wasn’t prepared for college

Students arrive at Melody School in Garfield Park for the first day of classes on Aug. 21. A college student from Humboldt Park says his experience in Chicago Public Schools did not prepare him for higher education. (Mark Black/For the Sun-Times)

Dear CPS CEO Pedro Martinez: I am a college sophomore and wanted to let you know about my experience as a lifelong Chicago Public Schools student and its effect on my higher education journey so far.

I’ve spent most of my educational career in CPS schools in facilities that are located in lesser-resourced neighborhoods. As I mentioned, I took the jump of going to college, where I am still adjusting. But not many CPS students choose that route. CPS has a 60% college enrollment rate, which is lower than the state average of 64%. Things must change if we want those numbers to climb.