Welcome to summer. Another school year is in the books.

But this time, the end comes amid a momentous beginning. Cleveland is now the nation’s fourth chapter of Say Yes to Education.

Say Yes Cleveland will provide new CMSD graduates with scholarships that fill gaps in tuition at Ohio’s public colleges and universities and Pell-eligible trade and industry certificate programs. The money, raised locally, also can be used at more than 100 private colleges and universities across the country.

More importantly, Say Yes will align social services and supports that can help families overcome barriers to success and keep students on track to graduation.

This is huge.

CMSD is graduating higher numbers of students, and they are better prepared for college or postsecondary training. But cost has deterred many from pursuing that study or training, leaving them unqualified for high paying, in-demand jobs.

Remember, starting with the Class of 2023, students must live in the District and be continuously enrolled in a CMSD or partnering charter high school from ninth grade to graduation if they want the scholarships.

We will make the commitment worthwhile by continuing to carry out The Cleveland Plan. The one-of-a-kind blueprint for education reform gives students a solid foundation with free high-quality preschool, lets their families pick from a variety of school models to find the right fit and gets them ready for college and careers. If you have a student who is not currently enrolled in one of our schools, call 216-838-3675 or go to choosecmsd.org today.

As I write this message, hundreds of children are attending a free K-3 summer academy to get back on track in reading. Many others, among the large number coming to us from other countries, are attending classes that will help them master English.

The work of our dedicated principals and teachers will pick up steam when a new school year begins in mid-August. We are striving to continue gains that have outpaced those of our urban peers and many other districts across the state.

In the meantime, I hope our scholars, families and community partners will have fun, enjoy the summer weather and, above all, rest up. We still have a lot of work to do.

Sincerely,