Designed for students in grades 8–12 from underrepresented and underserved communities, as well as first-generation students, the Academy is a cost-free enrichment program that features year-round academic support from BC Success Coaches. The residential Summer Enrichment Program is held on BC's Chestnut Hill Campus. Over the summer, students live in the residence halls for one week in 8th grade and up to six weeks by 12th grade.
Benefits
All Academy programs are free of cost for admitted students.
We review each student's needs to optimize outcomes.
Our coaches work with students to help make their post-secondary goals possible.
We offer personalized coaching, tutoring, and mentorship.
Details & Application
Located on BC’s Chestnut Hill Campus, the Academy builds on the Boston College and Pine Manor College legacies of providing academic support and personal attention to first-generation college students. Through an annual residential Summer Enrichment Program and school year tutoring and mentoring beginning after 7th grade, Academy students work with BC Success Coaches to navigate their school years. As Academy graduates begin their professional careers, the Pine Manor Institute offers ongoing coaching and mentoring for up to two years.
Prepare for Success
The program combines academic preparation in language arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), with enrichment experiences, overnight adventures, field trips, and volunteer experiences. Students learn the keys to success in high school—from public speaking and self-discipline to SAT/ACT prep, time management, and much more. Throughout every school year, each student’s dedicated Success Coach provides tutoring and advising to help Academy students get where they want to go.
Each year of the program explores different core values that will help students develop their gifts and talents.
Grade 8: Courage, Tenacity, Confidence
Students practice key public speaking and study skills to prepare for the challenges of high school.
Grade 9: Identity, Harmony, Companionship
Students go on an overnight adventure to a natural or historic New England site to explore their identities and how to live in harmony with each other and the natural world.
Grade 10: Compassion, Service, Solidarity
Students partner with local organizations to help communities combat social injustices.
Grade 11: Awareness, Curiosity, Open-Mindedness
Students use BC’s state-of-the-art maker spaces and labs to conduct research and create artwork as they explore career options.
Grade 12: Transition, Responsibility, Self-Discipline
After completing an independent project of their own design, students focus on their post-secondary education plans.
The Academy Pledge
I have all the tools I need for success within me.
I will honor my dignity, and the dignity of others, with my words and actions.
I will be honest and kind.
I will strive to keep a positive outlook, even when things become difficult, and I will respect the opinions of others when we disagree.
I will seek guidance from my community when the path is unclear, knowing that I have all the tools I need for success within me.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
| |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | Wake-up |
| 7:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Morning Assembly |
| 8:45 a.m. | Academic Block 1 |
| 9:40 a.m. | Short break |
| 9:45 a.m. | academic block 2 |
| 10:40 a.m. | Snack |
| 10:45 a.m. | Academic block 3 |
| 11:45 a.m. | lunch |
| 12:45 p.m. | Enrichment block 1 |
| 2:15 p.m. | snack
|
| 2:30 p.m. | Enrichment block 2 |
| 3:45 p.m. | Free time / Rec Center |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:00 p.m. | Campus walk and Small group reflection |
| 7:45 p.m. | Quiet reflection |
| 8:15 p.m. | Free time |
| 9:00 p.m. | Quiet reading time |
| 10:00 p.m. | Lights Out |
Application Information
PrintDeadlines
Questions
What school communities does the Academy partner with?
The Pine Manor Institute for Student Success at Boston College recruits 7th grade students from our partners in Greater Boston and across Massachusetts:
- Boston College High School
- Boston Latin School
- Codman Academy Charter Public School
- Epiphany School
- Esperanza Academy
- Lawrence Catholic Academy
- Mildred Avenue K-8
- Mother Caroline Academy
- Mount Alvernia High School
- Nativity Preparatory School
- Saint Columbkille Partnership School
- STEM Middle Academy
- Thomas Edison K-8
What does a PMI Academy student aspire to do or be?
Any student can be nominated to attend the Academy by one of our partner schools. We’re looking for students who are hardworking and kind!
How does a school become an Academy partner?
We currently have a full roster of partner schools but look forward to growing into the future. If you’re an educator or school leader or administrator interested in partnering with the Academy, please submit our Partner Nomination Form.
Additional questions?
Contact us at pinemanorinstitute@bc.edu with any questions.
We’d love to hear from you!
Important Dates
Timeline
- Partner Schools are invited to nominate students for application to the Academy through early November.
- Incoming Academy Student Applications for Summer 2023 will close Friday, January 27 at 11:59 PM.
- Due to the volume of applicants, late applications will not be accepted.
- Student and Family Interviews will take place at School Partner locations in February 2023.
- Admissions decisions will be sent to families and partners in March, 2023.
Start Your Application
Students at partner institutions are nominated by teachers, principals, coaches, counselors, or religious leaders. Once nominated, the first step is to complete the online student application.
Start Your Application
The application asks prospective students to respond to two of the following questions, with a short answer of 100 words. We encourage applicants to draft their responses in a word document and copy them into the application, for easier editing and to ensure their progress is saved.
Describe one of your most meaningful interests or activities. Please discuss the time you devote to the activity or interest, and how long you've been involved. Explain why this interest or activity is important to you and your reasons for becoming involved in it.
Tell us about one of your proudest achievements or moments and what it means to you.
Describe one new challenge or opportunity you experienced during the past year and how it has impacted your schoolwork and learning. How did you identify the challenge or opportunity? How are you attempting to overcome or take advantage of it?
Why do you want to go to college or attend another educational institution after you graduate from high school?