Empowering Boston Students with New STEM-Focused College Outreach Program

In a groundbreaking initiative, Boston’s high school students are being equipped for success in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields through an innovative partnership. Known as the Beyond Possible program, this collaborative effort involves Boston Public Schools (BPS), The Possible Zone (TPZ), and Wentworth Institute of Technology. This program is designed to enhance the educational experience of students by integrating STEM learning with vital skills for the future.

The Collective Power of Partnerships

According to Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper, the Beyond Possible initiative exemplifies the potential of community collaboration. The program aligns with BPS's vision of creating secondary pathways that open doors to college and career opportunities for students. "By expanding access to schools that don’t have early college programs, Beyond Possible significantly improves the opportunities available to our students," says Skipper.

The program mimics early college pathways by offering structured coursework that's both targeted and sequenced. It is complemented by essential support systems that emphasize the development of soft skills like resilience and innovation—all crucial for current and future job markets where STEM roles are on the rise.

Building Future-Ready Skills

With projections indicating faster growth rates in STEM careers compared to their non-STEM counterparts into the 2030s, this initiative is timely. Participants in this program will not only engage with critical thinking and problem-solving activities, but they'll also have access to hands-on experiences that cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit. Nicole Price, J.D., Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Wentworth, emphasizes the community's role in expanding access to quality STEM education. "Leveraging our combined strengths, we aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience that integrates both classroom and workplace engagement," Price states.

The structure of the Beyond Possible program provides students with career preparation experiences that are invaluable. Participating students will earn high school credits, receive certificates of completion after two years in the program, and can accrue transferable college credits. Furthermore, they may be conditionally accepted into various higher educational institutions, including Wentworth Institute of Technology, Framingham State University, and Mass Bay Community College.

Access to Opportunities

Enriched academic experiences constitute a core element of this project. Students will benefit from job shadowing, internships, and career coaching as they navigate their way toward jobs in high-demand fields like data analytics and information technology. Funded through a collaborative effort among BPS, TPZ, and Wentworth, and supported by The Boston Foundation, Beyond Possible aims to enroll approximately 160 students over the next three academic years, ensuring a rich learning experience.

As early as February 2025, the inaugural cohort of up to 30 students will embark on their educational journey at TPZ, exploring digital tools and fostering an engineering mindset. The provisions made extend beyond academic instruction. Participants will enjoy various benefits like stipends for attending after-school sessions, meals, and access to summer internships. Moreover, they will receive personalized guidance from college advisors and peer tutors.

Dr. Meg Riordan, TPZ Chief Learning Officer, expresses confidence in the program's ability to develop not just academic knowledge, but also emotional and social skills essential for lifelong success. "This initiative is not just about education; it’s about preparing our youth for the complex world ahead of them through mentorship and community support," she remarks.

Recruitment and Future Outlook

Recruitment for the initial program year is underway at several Boston schools including English High School and John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. For those interested in learning more about this transformative initiative, further details can be found at possiblezone.org/beyond-possible.

Through its commitment to innovation, critical thinking, and social engagement, Beyond Possible strives to provide Boston's students with the tools they need to thrive, ultimately paving the way for future academic and professional opportunities.