LYNN–The La Vida Scholars Office recently relocated and expanded just steps from its original Munroe Street location, celebrating the milestone Thursday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside current students, alumni, faculty, community members, and city officials.
Throughout the evening, La Vida students offered guided tours of the new space to attendees, sharing smiles and words of gratitude as they welcomed visitors into the expanded office.
Executive Director Peter Barros said the move was made to improve accessibility and better support both students and staff as the organization continues to grow.
“It was in recognition that we needed better space,” Barros explained the reasoning for the move. “We wanted to be on the first floor. We wanted to be more accessible to our students and our families,” he added.
The expanded office features new furniture, upgraded technology, and flexible classroom space designed to better accommodate programming and advising. Barros said the upgrades were made possible through many generous people, including the Eastern Bank Foundation, Yawkey Foundation, and the Smith Family Foundation.
He added that the new space allows La Vida Scholars to better serve students across the region, including programs at Chelsea High School.
What began in 2007 with just 13 students has since grown to support more than 300 students through their academic journeys, from school to college.
“To see some of the first-generation students here fills my eyes with tears because it’s just incredible to see where we have gone,” North Shore Latino Business Association President Frances Martinez stated.
During the ceremony, La Vida Scholars was presented with four citations recognizing the program’s accomplishments, dedication to the city, and the opening of its new office. The citations were awarded by Mayor Jared Nicholson, State Rep. Sean Reid, and City Councilor Cardeliz Paez.
Mayor Jared Nicholson joined Barros, Martinez, La Vida Board Chair Bob Hildreth, and other city officials to cut the ribbon, formally welcoming community members into La Vida’s new space.
“We are an ambitious city of hard workers, and La Vida is a great example of tapping into this community’s ambition,” Nicholson stated. “…we’re a community with people who are seeking, not to rise above their neighbors, but to rise with their neighbors.”
La Vida alumni also reflected on the organization’s impact.
“I don’t think I would’ve been in college if it weren’t for La Vida,” Salomé Yarce, La Vida alum and intern, expressed.
Superintendent Molly Cohen spoke about witnessing La Vida’s impact on students over time and its importance to the broader school community.
“I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the spectacular work of La Vida from its early days, when I was a guidance counselor at Lynn English, to now as superintendent,” Cohen said. “We know that engaged families result in better outcomes for students. La Vida’s efforts are validated by the many LPS alumni who have achieved success in college and beyond. It is partnerships like this that make our district and our city so special.”
