Equipping first‑generation students to reach—and thrive in—college and other postsecondary programs
Passport to College is the Boston HERC’s flagship program, serving students at non‑exam high schools in Boston, Chelsea and Revere. Passport Coaches–almost all first-generation graduates themselves– provide students the coaching support and resources needed to achieve a higher education. But Passport is also about much more than checking off boxes in the college application process–Coaches support students in exploring their passions and purpose, to gain the skills they need to succeed in college and career, and grow into the agents of change they want to be.
- 7-12 grade students
- First‑generation, low‑income and students of color
- English Language/Multilingual Learners and all recent immigrants
- Students from any school can join our Community-based (afterschool) programs currently in Roxbury and partnered community organizations throughout the city
During the school day, Passport Coaches facilitate weekly workshops for each grade. Students build 21st‑century skills (project management skills and study habits, financial management and budgeting skills, relationship and conflict resolution skills, professional communications, personal physical and mental health care, and time management skills), explore careers, and complete college‑going milestones.
During 11th and 12th grade, students complete every step of the college and/or postsecondary application, financial aid, and decision process with their Coach’s support.
1:1 Coaching: Outside of class, Coaches meet individually with students to create action plans, troubleshoot obstacles, and celebrate wins. Coaches—almost all of whom are first‑generation graduates themselves—serve as near‑peer role models who understand the journey.
Academic Coaching: Recognizing the importance of earlier academic preparation and success, middle school students also receive after-school academic coaching to strengthen their academic confidence in preparation for high school.
Passport Seniors and Alumni Success students are hired as the youth academic coaches supporting them after school, also giving them a paid leadership and work experience as they support the younger students.
College Visits: Every year, students tour campuses across Boston and beyond. Younger students begin envisioning themselves in college, while upperclassmen refine their decisions with firsthand campus experiences.
Career Exploration: From workplace experiences and alumni panels to internship referrals, Passport connects student interests to real‑world pathways.
Alumni who continue in Boston HERC’s Alumni Success Program persist in college at higher rates than peers
Boston HERC partners with non‑exam, Boston Public middle and high schools, as well as Chelsea and Revere high schools, and community organizations to bring programming to your sites. Counselors, administrators, and teachers collaborate with our Coaches to identify students who will benefit from programming and to align supports.
Partner Schools and Organizations include: Boston Arts Academy, Chelsea High School, Charlestown High School, East Boston High School, Fenway High School, Dr. Albert D. Holland High School of Technology, Josiah Quincy Upper School, New Mission High School, Margarita Muñiz Academy, Revere High School, Ruth Batson Academy, and Snowden International School.
