The Department of Opportunity Youth (OY) regularly partners with BPS departments and community work groups, such as the BPS Re-Engagement Center, the Boston Youth Transitions Task Force, and the Boston Opportunity Youth Collaborative to support initiatives that improve outreach and engagement of students who are disconnected to school. Through these partnerships, OY seeks to connect relevant opportunities for student success in college, career, and life, while offering wraparound services that stabilize and overcome barriers for students, thereby allowing equitable opportunities for student achievement and success.

Academic Mentorship Program

This initiative provides young people in grades 6-12 with intensive relational and academic support as we continue to grapple with the challenges of teaching and learning presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This can be by providing homework help, 1:1 tutoring, or just being there to listen and connect students to other resources. In partnership with the Division of Academics and the Division of Equity, Strategy & Opportunity Gaps, our Opportunity Youth Focus is designed to meet the individual needs of high priority students across Boston Public Schools. Our goal is to identify potential barriers and align mentors to help students overcome those barriers. Through this approach, the matching process is guided by students' unique experiences, preferences, and characteristics. Using a "no wrong door" approach to the student interest and recruitment process, students have agency to determine their preferred mentorship model and mentor characteristics. Integrated within the mentee and mentor sign up forms are paired response items that facilitate a more effective matching process to align with individual student interests and needs.

Visit the Academic Mentorship Site to learn more or sign up to participate in the program.