The Possible Project Inc

Programs: The organization provides an extended-day program that works to close the skills and opportunities gap by providing resources and support that will ultimately help students enter careers that will provide a living wage. The organization uses entrepreneurship and authentic work experiences as vehicles to impart the skills, abilities, and characteristics that make future success more likely for students. During the program, students become proficient in stem, leadership, resilience, professionalism, self-confidence, teamwork, and a host of other character traits and skills that will propel them on the pathway to success. The organization currently operates in boston and in cambridge, massachusetts. There are three main program components that students participate in during their 3-5 years. First, students learn stem, design thinking and social emotional learning and business and entrepreneurship concepts through an innovative, hands-on curriculum. This phd designed and led curriculum guides each student to conceive, launch and run their own business ventures. Second, students have collaborative, authentic work experiences, in one of the organization's two unique, revenue-producing businesses. Third, students receive significant individualized advising on their education, financial aid, career development, and post high school path. Through a combination of this support and entrepreneurial and work experiences, the program builds social-emotional learning (sel), job-readiness skills, school engagement, design thinking and steam (science, technology, engineering, art/design and math) skills towards the important goal of postsecondary attainment and meaningful careers. Students come to the organization through a nomination process; a guidance counselor, teacher, social worker, or health professional recommends students with untapped potential for the program. More than 80% of students fall into one or more of the following categories that present barriers to achievement: low socio-economic status, recent immigrant/english language learner, or recipient of an individualized education program. Nearly 100% of students are youth of color and more than half use the stipends earned through the program for basic needs such as transportation, food, clothing, or assistance with household expenses. Early statistically significant evaluation results, released at the end of 2017, show that 93% of students in the program are matriculating into college, a full 13 points higher than the benchmark (80%). The possible project currently operates out of three sites in boston and cambridge, including a state of-the-art makerspace. The makerspace has greatly enhanced existing programming, by providing participants access to the latest in digital fabrication technology, including a laser cutter, 3-d printer, spray booth, vinyl cutter, and all of the related software systems. These tools enable students to take their businesses to the next level, as well as allow for significant growth and sophistication. Most importantly, these steam related technologies and tools better prepare students for 21st century careers. In 2017, the organization completed its first year of programming at madison park technical high school in roxbury spreading the positive impact of the organization from cambridge into boston.