PLEASE JOIN US for an informal opportunity to learn more about HSTF:
Changing Together:
Stories and Conversations of Youth and Transformation
Tuesday November 2nd from 6:15 to 7:30 PM
HSTF's Cheverus Building, 365 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
Changing Together gatherings take place on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information or to RSVP please email info@hydesquare.org or call 617-524-8303.
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Root Cause Recognizes HSTF's College Prep Program
Report recommends HSTF as one of Boston's best for college preparation and success
In a recently released report on college access and success, Hyde Square Task Force was recognized as one of the top Greater Boston organizations focused on improving opportunities for at-risk youth to attend college and to succeed once enrolled. Root Cause, a non-profit research and consulting firm that studies on social impact issues, evaluated 50 youth-serving organizations in the Greater Boston area on how well they support youth in three key areas: academic preparation and enrichment, college knowledge an aspirations, and financial planning and aid. HSTF is one of just seven Root Cause-recommended organizations. 
At HSTF, youth start on a trajectory towards college success from day one. As soon as they join HSTF's leadership programs (typically as 9th or 10th graders), youth are given the support and guidance that put s college within their reach. But it doesn't stop there. HSTF graduates also receive year-round coaching and support throughout their first two years of college-crucial years in which students are most vulnerable to dropping out. Through early messaging about college, long-term mentoring, skill development, and application and financial aid assistance, HSTF youth are far outpacing their peers in both high school graduation and college success rates. While fewer than 60% of Black and Hispanic Boston Public School students enroll in college, 100% of HSTF youth enroll in college and 80% graduate within three to five years, with the remaining 20% continuing to pursue an undergraduate degree.
For more information about the Root Cause report, contact Yi Chin Chen at yichin@hydesquare.org or (617)524-8303 x303. The report in its entirety can be found at www.rootcause.org. |
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On the Path to College Success
HSTF helps youth stay in college & succeed as part of Success Boston Initiative
This summer, HSTF's Cheverus Building was buzzing with conversations about college. Rising college sophomores were sharing about the challenges and successes of their first year of college, while recent graduates were working closely with college coaches to prepare for their upcoming transition as new freshman this fall.
Whether they were about to start their first or second year of college this September, one thing was clear: these youth are determined to succeed!
One hundred youth (50 from the BPS class of 2010 and 50 from 2009) are taking part in Hyde Square Task Force's Success Boston program, which provides individualized support through the first two years of college. Each Success Boston youth is matched with a college coach, many of whom are HSTF alumni themselves, who serves as a mentor and resource person throughout the two-year period. During the summer months, youth receive additional, intensive support to help them prepare for the year ahead.
"We had three big successes over the summer," says Cisnell Baez, HSTF alumna and summer Success Boston Coordinator. "We made a huge connection with the youth; we built a strong connection with parents; and we got [50 youth] enrolled in their first year of college." HSTF staff worked hard to build these connections through mentoring, weekly skill-building workshops, and a parent send-off and discussion panel. With 78% of Success Boston youth being the first in their family to go to college, having a solid support network is just as vital to their success as attending class, completing homework, and writing papers.
Success Boston is a city-wide initiative that aims to increase college enrollment and completion rates for Boston Public Schools (BPS) graduates. Major initiative partners include Mayor Thomas Menino, the City of Boston, BPS, the Boston Foundation, the Boston Private Industry Council, local universities and community colleges, as well as six Boston non-profits: Hyde Square Task Force, ACCESS Boston, The Education Resource Institute (TERI), Boston PIC, Bottom Line, and Freedom House. The initiative is made possible by funding from The Boston Foundation and other local funders.
For more information about Success Boston, please contact Joél Mora at joel@hydesquare.org or (617)524-8303 x313.
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| More than 80 youth and families gathered at the Success Boston Parent Send-Off to discuss their upcoming transition to college this fall. |
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Transforming Youth through SLI
Summer Leadership Institute builds critical skills of HSTF's emerging youth leaders
What happens when 75 young leaders spend their summer learning about social issues and developing a critical awareness and understanding of the challenges facing their community?
Courage, motivation, and inspiration are born.
This positive energy, sparked during Hyde Square Task Force's Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), jump-starts youth on a transformative trajectory of empowerment, leadership, and success. SLI's intensive, six-week program provides youth with a foundation of critical-thinking, communication, and leadership skills necessary to take on roles as community organizers, literacy tutors, and peer educators during the upcoming school year.
For HSTF's young people, SLI is just the first stop in their evolving journey as the next generation of community leaders. SLI "allows new youth leaders to learn about the culture of the organization...[and prepares them for] what to expect during the school year, as well as what is expected of them," says Janelle Batista, a veteran HSTF youth of three years. "I have noticed the increased willingness of new youth to share their opinions, to think critically about important issues, and to care about our community."
The central components of SLI - skill-building workshops, daily physical activities and arts exposure, and in-depth exploration of violence, wellness, diversity, education, and globalization-are also embedded in HSTF's school-year curriculum, giving youth a chance to continue developing the skills and critical mindset they gained over the summer.
As this year's youth leaders leave the comforts of the Cheverus Building and venture out into their community this fall, they will become ever-more self-confident, self-reliant, and self-advocating. Simultaneously, and with the support of long-term mentors and HSTF staff, they will become more future-thinking as they realize that graduating from high school and attending college are obtainable goals.
To find out more about SLI, contact Brenda Rodriguez-Andujar at brenda@hydesquare.org or (617)524-8303 x323.
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 | | Youth in HSTF's Summer Leadership Institute participating in team-building activities as part of SLI's leadership development curriculum. |
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Hyde Square Task Force launches new Changing Together series
Yearning to see Hyde Square Task Force for yourself? Not sure exactly what "youth leadership development" means? Interested in hearing a participant perspective on HSTF?
Then Changing Together is right for you!
Beginning November 2nd, HSTF will be holding Changing Together gatherings the first Tuesday of every month. These gatherings are an informal way for you to meet other HSTF supporters, learn more about our programs from the youth themselves, and find out how YOU can help make a difference.
Changing Together:
Stories and Conversations of Youth and Transformation
WHEN: First Tuesday of the month
(upcoming dates: November 2nd; December 7th)
TIME: 6:15-7:30 PM
LOCATION: HSTF's Cheverus Building, 365 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
For more information or to RSVP for one of our upcoming gatherings, please contact Jodi Nemser-Abrahams at jodi@hydesquare.org or 617-524-8303 x310.
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Quick Links:________________
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Spotlight on:
Joél Mora, Manager of College and Career Programs
Hyde Square Task Force is excited to welcome new staff member, Joél Mora, to its team!
As the Manager of College and Career Programs, Joél will be overseeing HSTF's college preparation and success programs. After only a week on the job, Joél is already knee-deep in program planning, matching youth with long-term college mentors, and getting to know the rest of the HSTF staff. "I'm excited to be a part of the team and bring my experience and personality to HSTF," says Joél.
Prior to joining HSTF, Joél ran the TAG/PANAS mentoring program through UMass Boston, which provides 100 teens annually with intensive and individualized mentoring. Through his hard work and leadership, TAG/PANAS was named by the El Planeta newspaper as Boston's best mentoring program for Latino youth.
Joél is a self-proclaimed workaholic with a fun-loving personality. Born in Peru, Joél immigrated to the United States at the age of three. Having spent most of his life in Boston, Joél is an avid Celtics and Red Sox fan and even had the opportunity to meet some of the Red Sox players while working a side job at Fenway!
And as for what Joél is most looking forward to at HSTF? "Getting to know a brand new bunch of kids, and making sure that I can be a part of their lives."
Welcome, Joél!
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HSTF Youth Literacy Tutors go on tour!
YLT's are staying busy this fall by taking their self-authored book, "Seedless Elemantary" on tour in Boston.
If you would like the YLTs to come visit your school, library, or other venue, contact Ana Almieda at ana@hydesquare.orgor (617)524-8303.
Download the application here:
Book Tour Request Form
Book Tour Letter
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Volunteer opportunities at HSTF
Want to help out? HSTF relies on volunteers to fill many different roles. Find out how you can be a part of the transformation!
HSTF Volunteer Descriptions
HSTF Volunteer Application
For questions or more information, e-mail info@hydesquare.org or call (617)524-8303.
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Calling young people ages 13-18!
From October 4th-18th, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is hosting an online forum for young people ages 13-18 to share their opinions about healthy eating, physical activity, and more. Be Involved: Young People for Healthy Change allows participants from across the country to engage in a virtual conversation about what they can do to live healthy lives.
If you know someone between 13 and 18 who would like to be part of the forum, click here:
www.rwjfyouthforum.org.
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In Our Community:
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Spontaneous Salsa Sundays
Beginners and intermediates welcome, no partners necessary! Sundays, 2pm, Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St.
Info: 816-1369
Employment Program
If you live in JP and are looking for a job or want a better job, Jobs for JP may be able to help. A program of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.
Info: 522-2424 x.240.
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