Youth-to-College Initiative

Issue: Boston’s low-income youth are challenged with successfully preparing for college.

STRIVE’s Response: STRIVE, X-Cel Adult Education Services, and Bunker Hill Community College received funding to provide college prep classes for a select group of youth, with additional support while in college.

Strategic collaborations promote healthy communities and support the development of tomorrow’s leaders.

STRIVE, X-Cel, and Bunker Hill Community College are partnering as one of eight collaborations from across the United States and funded as part of The National Youth Employment Coalition’s Postsecondary Success Initiative, which began in January 2010. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation provided the funding for this initiative.

The Boston Youth-to-College Initiative will prepare 45 young adults (ages 18 – 26) for successful entry into college and will support them through to completion of a college credential. X-Cel began the first of three 14-week cycles of college prep classes, serving 15 young adults.

The college prep classes include four components:

• Academic preparation for college
• College success skills
• Assistance with the application process
• Support through completion of a credential

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