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College Tours
2024 HBCU College Tour: Where the Journey Began
In October 2024, the City of Refuge Foundation launched an experience designed to help young people see higher education in a new way. Through its HBCU College Tour, students stepped onto college campuses, participated in informational sessions, experienced HBCU culture, and began exploring the possibilities available after high school.
The tour included a visit to Wiley College, where students shared a meal on campus, as well as the opportunity to experience the excitement and tradition of an HBCU football game. More than simply sightseeing, the trip allowed students to experience college life firsthand—walking campuses, learning about educational opportunities, and imagining themselves as future college students.
The 2024 tour established the foundation for what has become one of the City of Refuge Foundation's signature youth initiatives.
For COR, the goal is simple but powerful: exposure creates possibility. When students can see themselves on a college campus, college can begin to feel less like a distant idea and more like an achievable next step.
Empowering Families. Building Legacy. Strengthening Community.
2025 College Tour: Expanding the Journey
Building on the success of its inaugural College Tour, the City of Refuge Foundation expanded its vision for students in 2025 with another multi-campus experience designed to expose young people to higher education and the possibilities available after high school.
The 2025 College Tour took place October 13–17, with students traveling through Louisiana and visiting McNeese State University, Louisiana State University (LSU), Southern University and A&M College, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Dillard University.
Each stop gave students an opportunity to experience a different college environment, explore campus life, learn more about educational opportunities, and begin thinking about the type of institution that might be the right fit for their future.
City of Refuge Foundation
Empowering Families. Building Legacy. Strengthening Community.The Journey Continues: COR Plans Its Third Annual College Tour for Spring 2027
The City of Refuge Foundation is excited to begin preparing for its third annual College Tour, planned for Spring 2027 as part of the Foundation's 2026–2027 youth programming.
Building on the experiences of the 2024 and 2025 tours, COR is preparing to give another group of students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience higher education firsthand. The upcoming tour will continue the Foundation's commitment to helping young people—particularly students who may be among the first in their families to attend college—explore the many pathways available after high school.
More Than a College Trip
Planning for the 2026–2027 program is already underway. The College Tour Committee is developing the tour schedule, determining participation guidelines, and creating a calendar of college-readiness workshops and important application dates leading up to the Spring 2027 experience.
The Foundation is also working to strengthen connections with area schools and community partners. Outreach efforts include counselors serving students in Crosby, Channelview and Galena Park ISDs, along with community and youth organizations.
And the vision continues to grow.
In addition to traditional four-year colleges and universities, Foundation leaders have discussed exposing students to trade, technical and career-focused educational opportunities, recognizing that preparing young people for their futures means helping them understand the full range of possibilities available to them.
City of Refuge Foundation
Empowering Families. Building Legacy. Strengthening Community.