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Students from Boston International Newcomers Academy and TechBoston Academy have been named grand prize winners of the Aspen Challenge: Boston, a program of the Aspen Institute in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

Boston Public Schools Students Recognized as Grand Prize Winners in Aspen Challenge: Boston

BOSTON — Friday, April 17, 2026 — Boston Public Schools (BPS) is proud to announce that students from Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINcA) and TechBoston Academy have been named grand prize winners of the Aspen Challenge: Boston, a program of the Aspen Institute in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation.

The Aspen Challenge: Boston engaged student teams from 15 local public high schools to design solutions regarding pressing issues impacting their communities every day. At the Solution Showcase, teams of approximately eight students presented their projects to a panel of local experts and peers through formal presentations and interactive exhibits.

Over the course of ten weeks, students identified a challenge, conducted research, and implemented solutions addressing topics such as community violence, access to healthy food, social media use, educational access for immigrant families, and intergenerational connection. Each team received $500 in seed funding through the Aspen Challenge to support their work.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“Opportunities like the Aspen Challenge give our students the space to lead, think critically and apply their learning in meaningful ways,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are incredibly proud of all of our students who participated and I extend my congratulations to each of the winning teams for this well-deserved recognition. Their work demonstrates a strong commitment to their communities and a thoughtful approach to addressing real-world challenges. Experiences like this help develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, and support our students in building the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully and pursue a wide range of postsecondary opportunities.”

BINcA’s winning project, Building Resources for Immigrant Dreams, Goals and Education (B.R.I.D.G.E.), is a college access playbook designed to support immigrant families navigating the college application and financial aid process. The resource includes guidance from families who have completed the process, key terminology, cross-cultural comparisons, and tools for community-based workshops.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“Our students understand firsthand the barriers many immigrant families face and they approached this project with both empathy and determination,” said Boston International Newcomers Academy Principal Tony King. “B.R.I.D.G.E. reflects their voices and their commitment to ensuring more families feel informed, supported and confident as they plan for their futures. We are proud of the work they’ve accomplished.”

TechBoston Academy’s winning project, We Give a Future, focuses on preventing community violence by expanding access to postsecondary pathways. Students organized workforce connector events to link graduating seniors with employment opportunities and resources for financial stability and long-term success.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“In many ways, the TechBoston team’s success began after last year’s Aspen Challenge,” said TechBoston Academy Principal Patrick Cleary. “Rather than stepping back, they leaned in. By the summer, they had established a nonprofit, and by the fall, they were building partnerships with major unions. They’ve stayed committed to this work and to creating real opportunities for their peers. While this recognition is significant, what stands out most is the impact they’ve already made. This is a meaningful win not just for our students, but for the broader community.”

In addition to the grand prize winners, several BPS teams were recognized for their work. Another Course to College received the Collaboration Award for their focus on Intergenerational Collaboration, Charlestown High School earned the Community Engagement Award, and New Mission High School was selected for the People’s Choice Award, as voted on by participating students. Charlestown High School and New Mission High School were both recognized for their efforts to improve access to healthy food within their communities.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“I am incredibly proud of how our students approached this work with a deep respect for the knowledge and experiences across generations,” said Principal of Another Course to College Demitri Curry. “They recognized the value of learning from those who came before them while also uplifting their own voices. This project reflects their ability to build meaningful connections that strengthen both their community and their own sense of purpose.”

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“We are proud of our students for the care and leadership they demonstrated through this project,” said Principal of New Mission High School Kareem Cutler. “They took the time to understand the barriers to accessing healthy food and developed a solution that is both practical and rooted in equity. Their work is a strong example of our school's mission that our students are prepared 'to do well in and for the world,' and they lead change in their community.”

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“We are very proud of our students for taking a thoughtful and community-driven approach to this work,” said Principal of Charlestown High School Ajay Trivedi. “They focused on the needs of those around them and worked collaboratively to develop a solution that reflects both care and accountability. This recognition speaks to their commitment to creating healthier, more equitable outcomes for their community.”

As grand prize winners, students from BINcA and TechBoston Academy will participate in an all-expense-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, held in June at the Aspen Institute’s campus in Aspen. At the Festival, students will present their projects, share their experiences, and highlight their ongoing efforts to address critical issues in their communities. They will be joined by two student teams from Aspen Challenge Detroit, with winners to be announced.

Participating Schools and Challenges:

Another Course to College - Intergenerational Cooperation
Boston Arts Academy - Access to Healthy Food
Boston Green Academy - Navigating phone usage and social media addiction
Boston International Newcomers Academy - Education Opportunities for Immigrants
Boston Latin Academy - Intergenerational Cooperation
Brighton High School - Access to Healthy Food
Charlestown High School - Access to Healthy Food
Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers - Access to Healthy Food
Excel High School - Access to Healthy Food
Fenway High School - Navigating phone usage and social media addiction
Lawrence High School - Education Opportunities for Immigrants
Margarita Muñiz Academy - Education Opportunities for Immigrants
New Mission High School - Access to Healthy Food
TechBoston Academy - Preventing community violence
Somerville High School - Access to Healthy Food

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About Boston Public Schools

The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the birthplace of public education in the United States, serves more than 48,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 109 schools. BPS is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life.

About Aspen Challenge

The Aspen Challenge is an Aspen Institute initiative that provides inspiration, tools, and a platform for young people to design solutions to some of the most critical problems humanity faces. For more information on Aspen Challenge, please visit www.aspenchallenge.org.

Patriots Legend Joins Shaw-Taylor Elementary Reading Competition Celebration

A Shaw-Taylor Elementary School competition has strengthened literacy in the community, and a New England Patriots legend dropped by to celebrate students' dedication and top readers.

Patriots Legend Joins Shaw-Taylor Elementary Reading Competition Celebration

Over the last month, the Shaw-Taylor Elementary School community has been diving into books through a schoolwide reading competition aimed at strengthening literacy and spark a lifelong love of reading. On Wednesday April 15, students gathered at the Upper Campus to celebrate their incredible dedication and recognize their top readers.

“We are committed to building a community where we develop strong readers and nurture every student’s love for reading,” said Shaw-Taylor Elementary School Principal Tinu Arowosegbe. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work our Shaw-Taylor scholars have demonstrated, and we know that the love for reading they’ve developed will continue far beyond this competition.”

A highlight of the celebration was a special visit from New England Patriots legend Matthew Slater and his wife, Shahrzad Slater, who joined Grades 3 and 5 students in the library for inspiring read-aloud sessions.

“I just want to encourage everyone across BPS to lean into reading,” said Slater. “Reading will open so many doors, it allows you an opportunity to think about things in a different way, and it educates you, and it entertains and appeals to you in so many ways. I'm rooting for you guys, go out there and read and have a blast.”

Together, they read "She Persisted" -- by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger -- an inspiring story honoring remarkable women who never gave up. The message was the perfect fit for both Women’s History Month and the perseverance students showed throughout the reading competition.

“I read so many minutes in the competition because I thought the other students in my class would read a lot,” said Shaw-Taylor Grade 5 student Mlulei Numbe. “I found books that I liked and I couldn’t stop reading them because I was enjoying them. I felt excited to meet a professional player because I never met one before and that helped me to read more books. I love to read books that are good for me like graphic novels such as ‘Wings of Fire.’ I would tell all students to read because reading is fun and it is a privilege to meet a professional player.”

Congratulations to all of our readers and thank you to the educators, families, and special guests who continue to build a strong culture of literacy across Boston Public Schools!

New Chittick School Library Comes To Life Thanks To Librarian's Dedication

BPS celebrates the opening of the Chittick Library, a vibrant new space made possible through the extraordinary dedication of school librarian Kadian Simmons.

New Chittick School Library Comes To Life Thanks To Librarian's Dedication

A bright, new chapter has begun at Chittick Elementary School. This spring, Boston Public Schools (BPS) celebrates the grand opening of the Chittick Library, a vibrant new space made possible through the extraordinary dedication of school librarian Kadian Simmonds.

For Simmonds, this milestone is more than a professional achievement, it’s a full-circle moment. A former Chittick student herself, with siblings, cousins, a niece, and nephew all having attended the school and one of her parents living nearby, she returned to the community that helped shape her.

“This is my community,” said Simmonds. “I’ve always wanted to teach here, to give back to the school that helped inspire me to be an educator. Being able to give these students something we never had -- a real library – is incredibly meaningful.”

When Simmonds arrived in September 2025, the school had no functioning library. What existed was an empty modular room with just a few chairs and no books. A small collection of donated materials – unearthed from a basement – served as a temporary “satellite library.” But Simmonds saw potential where others saw limitations.

Through persistence and passion, she led the transformation of a former music room into a fully realized library space. When permanent furniture arrived in February, Simmonds marshaled a three-week effort to paint, organize, and prepare the room for use. Students walked into the space in March for the first time, with many in awe of what they were seeing.

“Their reactions were unforgettable,” said Simmonds. “They couldn’t believe it was theirs. Now they can check out books, sit and read, and truly experience what a library should be.”

“Kadian’s vision and commitment have been nothing short of transformational," said Chittick Elementary Acting Principal Matt Ginsburg. "She didn’t just build a library, she created a culture of literacy and belonging. Our students now have a space that reflects their potential."

With author visits planned throughout April -- including one from illustrator Khary Randolph, whose father is an educator at Chittick Elementary -- the new library is already becoming a destination, where imagination, curiosity, and opportunity come to life, thanks to one educator who believed her community deserved nothing less.

Wellpoint Recognizes MA Teacher of the Year Finalist at Mario Umana Academy

Wellpoint, a Massachusetts-based health benefits company, visited the Mario Umana Academy to honor English and history/social studies teacher Thomas Simmons, who was named a finalist for the 2026 MA Teacher of the Year.

Wellpoint Recognizes Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Finalist Thomas Simmons at Mario Umana Academy

April 9, 2026 - Wellpoint, a Massachusetts-based health benefits company, visited the Mario Umana Academy in April 2026 to honor English and history/social studies teacher Thomas Simmons, who was named a finalist for the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in December 2025. Wellpoint awarded the school a $5,000 grant to support enhancements to the school’s learning environment, including flexible seating and updated classroom materials to better engage students and support their success.

“Wellpoint is proud to recognize Tommy Simmons as a finalist for the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “The connections he builds with his students and the environment he creates for them to succeed are truly inspiring. At Wellpoint, we’re focused on making the healthcare experience simpler and supporting the whole health of the people we serve – including the educators who play such an important role in our communities.”

Simmons, who was nominated in January 2025, advanced through a rigorous statewide selection process that included classroom observations, interviews, references and the review of teaching materials. He is recognized as a lifelong learner who builds on students’ strengths and fosters a classroom environment where students learn from and support one another.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside so many dedicated educators across Massachusetts and to represent the students and community at the Mario Umana Academy,” said 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year finalist Thomas Simmons. “I’m grateful to Wellpoint for this recognition and investment in our school, which will help us continue creating engaging, student-centered learning environments. This work reflects the students, families and colleagues I learn from every day. Every student in BPS deserves nothing short of excellence and I look forward to promoting my colleagues who continue to push towards this goal. Umana UNIDOS!”

The Mario Umana Academy is a dual-language school serving a diverse community of students and families in East Boston, where Simmons’ work reflects a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning.

Simmons’ recognition reflects the dedication of Boston Public Schools educators and their ongoing commitment to creating engaging, equitable learning environments where all students can thrive.

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