The Boston Scholar Athlete Program
Nature and Purpose
The Boston Scholar Athlete Program (BSA) is a collaborative initiative sponsored by the City of Boston and Suffolk Construction’s Red & Blue Foundation to improve academics through athletics for urban youth in Boston Public High Schools. The Program's mission is based on the proven link between athletic participation and positive academic performance. The BSA also provides a connection between the public and private sectors of the Boston community, linking the academic and athletic capital from businesses, higher education institutions, and professional sports organizations, directly to the scholar-athletes of Boston.
Tasks
PULSE students will serve as tutors, mentors, and overall program assistants. This includes being on-site in BSA Zones (learning centers) and providing support to the Zone Facilitators. BSA serviced over 3,100 scholar-athletes during the 2011-12 school year. PULSE students will work regularly with scholar-athletes by helping them with homework, assisting with the college search process, and acting as positive role models. BSA Tutors are the key in teaching and modeling positive behavior to the scholar-athletes.
PULSE students will also participate in the Program in the following ways:
- Conduct research relating to school and Zone demographics
- Assess Zone practices and observe inner workings of urban education setting
- Assist athletic coaches during practices, games, and events
- Support Zone Facilitators in the form or improving Zone appearance, updating athletic schedules and scores
- Help with the development and execution of monthly Zone community service projects
All PULSE students are required to attend an initial orientation and ongoing trainings, as needed, throughout the year.
Time Requirement
PULSE students need to be available to work at the BSA Program at least two sessions a week, (Monday through Friday 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm). 2-4 additional hours of work can be done at any time during the week, but should be consistent and worked out with the supervisor at the beginning of the year. The BSA schedule varies at the sites and allows for many different ways to fulfill the time requirement.
Supervision
PULSE students will participate in an orientation at the beginning of the year, and on an as needed basis throughout the year. Additionally, they will be in regular contact with their immediate supervisor, with whom they will work out individual supervisory meetings.
Addresses
BSA provides program services at the following locations:
Another Course to College/Boston Community Leadership Community Academy Zone
20 Warren Street
Brighton, MA 02135
Brighton High School Zone
25 Warren Street
Brighton, MA 02135
East Boston High School Zone
86 White Street
East Boston, MA 02138
Supervisor
Shannon McLeod
617-517-5290
smcleod@redandbluefoundation.org
Council Member
Christian O'Rourke