Boston PIC

The Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) is a very important partner in our efforts to provide students at Urban Science Academy with preparation for both college and careers.  Our PIC Career Specialist, Eduardo Franco, is located in Room 165 (next to the main office). Boston PIC provides our students with the support and assistance they need in preparing for both job and college interviews. In addition to meeting with students individually to discuss their plans,  Mr. Franco provides students with mock interviews and helps with presenting our interview skills workshops.  Throughout the year, the Boston PIC provides our students with information about many internship and volunteer positions. In addition, he provides information about and access to summer and part-time employment possibilities.

The Zone

The Boston Scholar Athlete Program offers a program for all USA athletes that offers access to academic assistance through peer and outside tutoring and mentoring services, work stations equipped with computers and internet access, monthly forums on important issues facing high school students, and improved relationships and strengthened camaraderie with teammates.  The Zone is directed by Claude James and is located inside the library.

Trio Talent Search

Debbie Laguerre is the Trio Talent Search Adviser at the West Roxbury Education Complex  assisting students from all backgrounds with planning for college and identifying sources of financial aid through school-based programs and college access centers located in libraries and community agencies. Many of our programs focus on improving college preparation, enrollment, and success for students who are low income and first generation; students that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their post-secondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assist participant with the post-secondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or post-secondary level to enter or reenter and complete post-secondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their post-secondary education.   Talent Search works very closely with Urban Science Academy to ensure that all students have the necessary exposure and tools to make more informed choices about their post-secondary plans.

Services provided by the program include:

♦ Academic, financial, career, or personal counseling including advice on entry or re-entry to secondary or post-secondary programs

♦ Career exploration and aptitude assessment

♦ Tutorial services

♦ Information on post-secondary education

♦ Exposure to college campuses

♦ Information on student financial assistance

♦ Assistance in completing college admissions and financial aid applications

♦ Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams

♦ Mentoring programs

♦ Workshops for the families of participants

College Advising Corps

Ms. Rosie is a full time college adviser who works to foster a college-going culture within Urban Science Academy by becoming part of the the school community. She collaborates with teachers and administrators to tie college-going into the life of a school, devise creative approaches to reach and connect with students, and most importantly, open the eyes of students and their families to the possibility of college.

AmeriCorps - VISTA Partnership with Mount Ida College

Ms. Julie Cronin prepare USA students for life after high school with focuse around SAT preparedness, college essay writing, financial aid, and knowledge of post-secondary options.