Boston Public Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay Unveil Expansion of Technology-enhanced Mentoring Program in Boston

Innovative Mentor 2.0 program now offered at the Edward M. Kennedy Academy of Health Careers

Boston – Nov. 15, 2017 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, one of the nation’s leading one-to-one mentoring programs, today announced the expansion of its innovative technology-enhanced mentoring model aimed to prepare students for high school success, college matriculation and workforce readiness. Launched last fall at Boston Green Academy, this first-of-its-kind program in the City of Boston has now expanded to the Edward M. Kennedy Academy of Health Careers in Boston.

With a focus on helping students form a post-secondary education plan, all ninth grade students at the Edward M. Kennedy Academy of Health Careers will be matched with a mentor whom will remain with them through high school graduation. Each subsequent year, incoming ninth graders will receive a mentor for the duration of their high school experience so that every student in the school receives one-on-one support and guidance. As a college preparatory and vocational high school for inner city students exploring careers in health and health-related professions, students will be paired with mentors that are health and life sciences professionals to provide the most beneficial and enriching experience.

“Bringing the Mentor 2.0 program to the Edward M. Kennedy Academy of Health Careers will provide our students with more individualized support which is crucial to their success in college and puts them one step closer to achieving their health-related career aspirations,” Dr. Caren S. Walker Gregory, Headmaster of the Edward M. Kennedy Academy of Health Careers. “Continuous support and guidance from a mentor in the health industry coupled with skills taught in our traditional curriculum will provide our students with the tools needed to become the doctors, nurses, researchers and social workers of tomorrow.”

Mentor 2.0 is a technology-enhanced one-to-one mentoring program providing individualized college support to high school students, transforming the college counseling function for low-income and first generation college students. Designed to help students plan for a life after high school, the curriculum develops college-success skills, guides the college application process and builds strong relationships with positive adult mentors. Students attend weekly college success classes which are augmented by regular assignments and communication between mentors and students via an online portal. Monthly in-person events are also held to strengthen the bond between students and their mentors.

“We are thrilled to bring Mentor 2.0 to the Edward M. Kennedy Academy of Health Careers and help these students, many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college, prepare for life after high school,” said Wendy Foster, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. “Successfully pursuing a college education is a major stepping stone towards realizing their career ambitions in the health field. A mentor in the industry will help them navigate the career exploration, college application, admission and financial aid process.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay plans to expand the Mentor 2.0 program to additional high schools within the Boston Public Schools district and beyond in the next four years.

For more information about the program, please visit www.bbbsmb.org/about/programs/mentor-2-0/.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of 2,700 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is working to ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Massachusetts Bay by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities. For more information about this worthwhile cause and its important mission, visit www.bbbsmb.org.

###