Final Decision Tour

February 14–21, 2027

Senior Priority | Open to Grades 10–12
 

The Final Decision HBCU Tour takes Detroit-area students on a seven-day journey to 10 of the nation’s most sought-after HBCUs across the East Coast and South. Created after years of watching seniors and families navigate major college decisions alongside the rush of spring deadlines, prom and graduation, this experience gives students something valuable: a head start.

Our February timing is intentional. Students get to explore campuses before the traditional spring-break rush, with more room to experience college life, ask meaningful questions and think about fit, finances and what they actually want from the next four years. And because this is Kindred, we’re doing a whole lot more than walking around campuses. Expect Black history and culture, new friendships, great food, Atlanta, the Smokies, game nights, recreation stops, plenty of laughter and the kind of memories that make the bus ride home hit different.

WHERE WE’RE HEADED

Our Final Decision schools were intentionally selected to give students access to some of the most sought-after HBCUs in the country while experiencing different campus environments, regions, academic offerings and HBCU traditions.

• Morgan State University — Baltimore, Maryland
• Howard University — Washington, D.C.
• Hampton University — Hampton, Virginia
• Norfolk State University — Norfolk, Virginia
• North Carolina Central University — Durham, North Carolina
• North Carolina A&T State University — Greensboro, North Carolina
• Clark Atlanta University — Atlanta, Georgia
• Spelman College — Atlanta, Georgia
• Morehouse College — Atlanta, Georgia
• Florida A&M University — Tallahassee, Florida

Campus experiences include admissions and financial-aid presentations, guided or ambassador-led tours, candid student conversations and other opportunities based on university offerings.

THE KINDRED DEVELOPMENT SERIES

The experience starts before the bus moves.

As part of our tour experience, students will participate in four interactive and high-impact labs over the course of two Saturdays, known as our Kindred Development Days. These touchpoint ensure that we are able to get to know our students before departure and that they are prepared to make the most of their experience. Students will have an opportunity to build relationships, explore community resources, learn to ask better questions, understand their options, advocate for themselves, and strengthen their critical thinking skills to make sound, informed decisions. 

Our Kindred Development Days are led by trusted and results-oriented community leaders and partners already doing this work with young people and are considered mandatory for all students. 

Development Day I

Saturday, January 16 | 10:00 AM–1:30 PM

KNOW YOURSELF
Emotional intelligence • self-awareness • communication • relationships • conflict navigation

KNOW YOUR VOICE
Critical thinking • public speaking • self-advocacy • civic engagement • asking the questions that matter

Development Day II

Saturday, January 23 | 10:00 AM–1:30 PM

KNOW YOUR MONEY
Financial literacy • budgeting • credit • debt • college costs • financial decision-making

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
College readiness • scholarships • financial aid • college fit • NCAA eligibility • evaluating opportunities

Each Development Day includes lunch and our Kindred Partner Showcase, connecting students with community organizations, programs and resources that can continue supporting their growth.

KNOW YOUR NEXT MOVE

Post-Tour Experience

After the tour, we bring students back together to process what they saw and turn experience into action. Seniors can compare schools, financial considerations and remaining decisions while younger students identify the steps they need to take next.

THE KINDRED EXPERIENCE

Every tour is intentionally curated around the students, cities, campuses and opportunities available that season. While specific activities may vary, here’s a taste of what makes a Kindred experience different:

• 🚌 Round-trip luxury motorcoach transportation from Detroit
• 🏨 Hotel accommodations with students housed three to a room
• 🍳 Daily breakfast + dinner
• 🎓 10 HBCU campus experiences across the East Coast and South
• 💰 Admissions + financial-aid programming 
• 🧠 The Kindred Development Series before and after travel
• 🤝 Signature Kindred Meet + Greet before departure
• 🏙️ Professional Student Headshots
• ❄️ Winter Experience in the Smokies — seasonal recreation, mountain views and a little winter adventure
• 🎮 Kindred Game Nights + Rec Stops because seven days together should be FUN
• 🏛️ Black history + cultural experiences woven throughout the journey
• 🎢 Attractions + entertainment selected specifically for each tour
• 🌐 Networking opportunities with students, alumni, professionals and community along the way when available
• 👕 Signature Kindred merch
• 🩺 Healthcare support while traveling
• ❤️ Background-checked, trauma-informed leadership focused on student safety, care and belonging
• 📍 Know Your Next Move post-tour support so the experience doesn’t end when the bus gets back to Detroit

Specific campus programming, attractions, entertainment, networking opportunities and experiences are subject to availability and may vary. Students should bring spending money for lunches, snacks, souvenirs and personal purchases.