Somerville, MA – A new partnership with Somerville High School starting in the fall of 2016 will offer a group of English Language Learner (ELL) students a chance to build leadership skills and gain critical life skills through participation in a program designed to “empower immigrant youth to achieve academic, career and personal success through out-of-school experiences.”
“Over the last 24 years, we have developed a program that meaningfully impacts students arriving from all over the world. Up until now, the program has only been available to Cambridge students,” commented Jonathan Steiman, Chair of Enroot’s Board of Directors. “Today marks our expansion. We are excited and honored to partner with Somerville Public Schools and the Somerville community. Together, we'll be able to meet the needs of this important student population.”
An estimated 20-30 SHS students will comprise the first cohort of Somerville High students to participate in the multi-year program, which offers students 1-to-1 mentoring and academic tutoring, internship opportunities, and weekly leadership seminars. With much of the programming offered during out-of-school-time hours, Enroot extends the learning day by as much as 50%, helping students strengthen their academic skills, gain critical leadership skills, and receive individual support and case management.
“Enroot has earned an impressive record of success working with students in Cambridge using a relational model of support that places the student and his/her unique needs front and center,” said Superintendent of Schools Mary Skipper. “Our students will benefit greatly from this new partnership and from Enroot’s demonstrated commitment to helping students gain the leadership skills that will help them achieve and succeed throughout their lives. We look forward to launching this partnership at Somerville High, and expanding on the great work that Enroot is already doing in Cambridge.”
"Our organization could not be more thrilled to partner with a visionary educator like Superintendent Skipper and the truly dedicated teachers and administrators of Somerville Public Schools,” stated Ben Clark, Executive Director of Enroot. “We feel privileged to join such an inspired and talented team of educators to extend the learning day for immigrant students at Somerville High and look forward to years of close collaboration."
The program will formally kick off in September of 2016. Enroot and a team of SHS and Somerville Public Schools staff members have been setting up program elements this summer, including establishing a diverse base of internship partnerships and recruiting adult volunteers. Student recruitment for the program will take place in September. Eligible students go through a formal application process that includes a written essay, in-person interview, and two references.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Enroot starting in the fall, and to be able to offer students who have had to face more challenges than most, with the individualized support that can help them achieve success throughout their lifetimes,” added Somerville High School Headmaster, John Oteri. “Every student has the right to dream big and the potential to fulfill their dreams given the opportunity and the tools. Enroot provides that opportunity. We’re thankful and excited that they have decided to expand to Somerville, and very much look forward to working with them.”
