Read below for more about our youths' challenges and desire to succeed.
Stacy
Stacie, a graduate of West Roxbury Education Complex, states that "Melpo (WREC KeySteps Counselor) helps me understand my problems and discover new ways of coping with issues which used to make me upset. I'm in college now and I know I can depend upon Melpo if something comes up in my life which makes me think I should quit school. She's also helping me and encouraging me to find a job.
Jailson
Jailson, in a recent visit to our office with his son stated: Jenny (KeySteps Counselor) believed in me and showed me why I should believe in myself. She has helped to give me a second chance in life…She urged me to stay in school and graduate.
Elianny
“Since my baby was born, I’ve had to miss school, find a safe place for him and I to live and transition my life from a young, immature girl to a teen mother with many adult responsibilities. My future and the future of my son depends upon the choices and decisions I make. Miss Jenny (KeySteps Counselor) has helped me find resources and make decisions which has helped me stay in school and be successful - which will help my son be successful as well.”
Euclides
In 2005, Euclides moved from Cape Verde to live with family in Boston. Shortly thereafter - with the goal of learning the language and getting a high school diploma - he enrolled at Boston International High School(BIHS) and began receiving guidance and support from Ms. Jenny (KeySteps Counselor).
Since joining KeySteps programming, his leadership skills, confidence and ability to communicate effectively have increased dramatically. He has earned the respect of supervisors and met with success at a number of PIC sponsored Sovereign Bank summertime employment internships and worked tirelessly as a member of a year-long community service team which culminated in a KeySteps/BIHS sponsored “Habitat for Humanity” build project in Washington DC. Additionally, he has participated in numerous KeySteps sponsored outdoor experiential learning activities and trips.
Euclides has completed all required high school coursework at Boston Adult Central High School. With continued guidance and support from Ms. Jenny, he hopes to receive a high school diploma and pursue a career in the trades.
Musu
In June 2011, after two years of participation in KeySteps services, Musu graduated from Charlestown High School (CHS). While in high school Musu worked along with the KeySteps counselor to cope with many of the issues confronted by being a newcomer in the country: finding housing, health care, tutorial services, child care and resolving issues related to immigration. With funding from a Liberty Mutual scholarship received at graduation from CHS, she enrolled in a Home Health Aid training program from which she received certification and job placement.
Priscilla
Priscilla is a 2013 KeySteps Graduate of Charlestown High School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Watch Video
Yveline
Yveline is a 2013 KeySteps Boston International High School / Newcomers Academy graduate & first year student at Endicott College Boston.
Watch Video
Natalia
Natalia is a senior at Charlestown High School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Watch Video
Julissa
Julissa is a senior at Boston International High School / Newcomers Academy in Boston, Massachusetts.
Watch Video
Andrea
Andrea is a senior at West Roxbury Academy in Boston, Massachusetts. Andrea will attend Stonehill College in September.
Watch Video
Last year, 78% of KeySteps youth completed school in four years and 86% remained in and completed school in five years.
TOP