LYNN — With the help of Minds Matter Boston, an organization devoted to helping low-income students gain acceptance to college, two graduates of the KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School gained admission to well-respected universities, despite challenges that arose throughout the pandemic.
Through the guidance of MMB mentors, Noel Crisostomo will be attending the University of Southern California, and Josiris Vasquez will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Each student was connected with a mentor that met with them every Saturday for three hours virtually during the pandemic. This mentorship program allowed students to attend summer classes at prestigious colleges that introduced them to new experiences, acting as a catalyst for their drive to pursue a four-year degree.
In 2021 alone, 1.4 million dollars in scholarships were awarded to MMB graduates. With the help of volunteers from various Boston businesses and organizations, dedicating hundreds of hours over three years to guide their mentees through college prep guidance. This commitment has resulted in 100% of MMB graduates gaining admission to four-year colleges.
Crisostomo credits his mentor Ryan Taylor for his ability to guide him through the unique challenges posed by spending his last two years of high school learning in the wake of the pandemic.
Since 2003, MMB has achieved consistent success with an additional 97% of alumni still enrolled or having graduated from college. The average high school senior received $47,000 of first-year financial assistance, ensuring that these students’ education is not only available, but affordable.
The academic talents and determination of these students, alongside the supportive advice of their mentors, is what allowed them to excel in school. MMB’s mentorship program is four years, starting with students in the tenth grade. Intensive mentoring is provided as well as professional ACT & writing instruction.
“These students’ stories encapsulate what we do at Minds Matter of Boston,” said Executive Director Rachel Kanter.
Magella Cantara can be reached at [email protected].
