826 Boston Writing Tutoring Each BAI intern was assigned an individual writing tutor through the local organization 826 Boston. 826 Boston is a nonprofit youth writing and publishing organization that empowers traditionally underserved students to find their voices, tell their stories, and gain communication skills to succeed in school and in life. BAI interns worked throughout the summer in bi-weekly small group learning sessions and one-on-one tutoring with a consistent tutor throughout the program. The program design encouraged the interns to work closely with their tutors on a draft college essay or personal statement. This process frequently led to personal sharing and connection-building between the intern and their tutor. Students finished the program with a first draft of an essay that could be used in conversations with counselors or college/career advocates as they headed into the new school year.
Arts and Culture Exploration Sessions Interns participated in weekly workshops with local art and creative leaders on a range of relevant topics including arts advocacy, using artwork as inspiration for storytelling, public speaking and presentation skill development.The goal of these sessions was to increase the interns’ knowledge of local arts and culture resources, and possible careers in the arts and culture field, and develop transferable skills. Participating organizations included the ICA, MASSCreative, DUNAMIS and the Huntington Theatre Company.
College Advising Corps (CAC) Workshops BAI interns participated in workshops facilitated by advisors from the CAC-BU representing recent graduates and BPS alumni. The College Advising Corps-Boston University (CAC-BU) seeks to increase the number of low-income, first generation, and underrepresented students entering and completing college. The college access support from the CAC staff included a range of college readiness activities including match & fit reflections and discussions, one-on-one advising, and virtual tours. The remote program delivery this summer allowed students to meet with CAC program leaders as well as their school specific advisors who are available during the school year in small group format. Students developed initial lists of qualities to look for in their best fit postsecondary institution and were able to use online, district wide tools to save and share their exploration with mentors and supports outside of BAI.
Muadi Dibinga Personal and Professional Coaching The interns met weekly in small, 4-5 person groups with Muadi Dibinga, a Boston-based arts leader and certified executive coach. Leading personal and professional coaching workshops, Muadi covered a wide range of topics focused on work-readiness skills. Topics included developing a positive vision for their future, having a success mindset, understanding the importance of networking, and cultivating their brand. Muadi’s workshops engaged interns in lively discussions about their personal and professional identity, goal setting, and network. The small group size of each workshop allowed interns to collaborate intensively and hear the voices of all group members. Many of the interns mentioned at the end of the summer that these workshops were among their favorite parts of the program, as well as reported that they learned key skills from these presentations.