Page 32 - 2023 February Report

February Report 2023
Disadvantaged convening report (2)
Mr. Braulio Colón - The Vice President of Student Success Initiatives at the Helios Foundation, he spoke about his personal journey, raised by a single mother from Puerto Rico with four sons, and offered insights into the sort of programs and approaches that foster resilience and student success. A phrase that resonated with him over the years was “I will not quit; therefore I cannot be defeated.”
Key program components that build resilience: seeding aspiration, supporting community connection and engagement, continuing support, 1st semester success, building strong self-identity, and faith/ spirituality.
Key program design elements: cohort approach, structured and prescribed elements, multi-year financial commitments, holistic supports (e.g., health, transportation, housing, food, emergency), and fun.
Pre-conditions for sustainable design of a program: stable and demonstrated leadership, mutual understanding of the challenge, demonstrated commitment and alignment to a strategic plan, willingness to share learning and data, flexibility to change practice based on learnings and outcomes, and a willingness to partner with other organizations.
Ms. Katya Quintanilla - She is the Senior Youth Development Worker in Mary’s Center Teen Program, which has a mission to provide a safe place for teens to realize their potential. She described the Teen Program as a “haven of hope” for mostly first-generation, recently arrived youth, providing workshops, after-school and summer-job programs. Ms. Quintanilla said she “practically grew up in Mary’s Center.” It was her safe place and provided the support structures she needed to succeed.
Mr. Xavier Etheridge- The Assistant Director of Admissions and Graduate Support at Nativity Prep School of Boston, he was a student at the school, starting in grade six. He came from a difficult background of violence and sexual abuse. He spoke about how Nativity Prep provided “structure and community” and taught him how to control and heal his anger. Students “feel like we are not alone. It quite literally changed my life.” He explained how being with other kids like him “Helped me feel normal.”
Concluding thoughts - For me, the take-away lesson of the day came from Xavier Etheridge. He explained how he always knew that the multi-faceted programs at Nativity Prep worked. He knew this bothasagraduateandnowanemployeeoftheschool. Theconvening,hesaid,helpedhimunderstand why these sorts of programs work and how various supportive environments help build resilience that leads to success. I can say the same thing. I now have a better understanding of what programs work and why. This is a valuable insight for everyone on the Grant Program Committee.
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