Boston HERC

Organization Description: 

History

In 1998, discussions emerged with black and Latino churches to meld their youth outreach, community organizing and education programs to improve access to higher education for disadvantaged black and Latino youth. Although there appeared, at the time, to be plenty of research and reports on the problems of college retention for minority youth along with many recommendations for improving retention, there were few concerted efforts in the Greater Boston minority communities to offer college preparation-specific programming for these young people. Despite the demonstrated importance of college to upward mobility, few urban youth overcome obstacles to college—lack of funds, lack of exposure, lack of preparation, and lack of support. A planning group, comprised of representatives from black and Latino churches, the Higher Education Information Center, Boston Ten Point Coalition, Emmanuel Gospel Center’s Boston Education Collaborative, higher education institutions and the Nellie Mae Foundation, began meeting in October 1998 to design a church-based college advising and preparation program for youth ages 11 through 18 years.

Goals

* To improve academic performance of middle school and high school students through academic support and motivational activities

* To prepare students for college

* To replicate and expand partnerships with churches to increase academic achievement and improve college access for underserved inner-city youth

Core Values

* We value programs that develop the whole person

* We value staff that minister to the whole person

* We value awakening vision in our students

* We value engaging the entire family

* We value encouraging peer support

* We value being accessible

* We value building bridges

* We value transcending traditional barriers

Location: 
62 Northampton St.
Boston, MA 02118
Map: 
Mission Statement: 

The Higher Education Resource Center (HERC) is a ministry of the Congregación León de Judá that serves under-represented urban students in grades 6-12 and their families through out-of-school academic enrichment, academic support and retention services to help them graduate from high school, and college and career advising. HERC awakens vision and purpose in the lives of the participants. HERC equips and empowers them to achieve their vision, to realize their potential and to transform their lives and communities.

Do You Require Formal Orientation Training for Volunteers?: 
Yes
Are more than one-third of the participants in your organization/programs low income (below 150% of the poverty level)?: 
Yes
Organization Affiliation: 
Denominational Affiliation: 
City/Metropolitan Area: 
State/Province: 
Country: 
Organization Membership Type: