Embedded Files
What is the Opportunity Youth Focus?
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 interest forms are paired response items that facilitate a more effective matching process to align with individual student interests and needs.
Click here to learn more about the BPS Department of Opportunity Youth.
Through our Opportunity Youth Focus, students have agency to share their preferences, interests and experiences so we can match a caring mentor who best meets their needs and priorities.
What happens through the Opportunity Youth Focus?
Students will be able to:
Share their unique experiences, priorities, and preferred mentorship model;
Provide input on the matching process and review bios/photos of potential mentors;
Pair with a mentor who best meets their individual preferences and needs;
Meet 1-on-1 (in person or remotely) with their mentor at least once a week for an hour;
Co-create a plan with their mentor to receive social-emotional support, connection to career, academic, and community resources, and/or academic/homework help;
Participate in virtual enrichment courses or work through a math or ELA curriculum;
Continue to meet with their mentor throughout the school year, give feedback on the program, and choose a new mentor if/when needed.
Who are the mentors? How are they chosen?
To best align with individual student needs, Opportunity Youth mentors are recruited among BPS educators, community members and partner organizations, as well as fellow students. All mentors are trained and interviewed by a cross-departmental team. The goal is to create well-aligned matches that are driven by individual student preferences and priorities.
Page updated
Report abuse