Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Enroot friends, family, and supporters:
 
The two things I admire most about our students are their optimism and resilience. Enroot students are some of the most optimistic and resilient people I’ve ever met.
 
Optimism and resilience also happen to be two of the things I like best about our country, and they are a big part of what continues to make us greater with each generation.
 
Each of our students is processing this week’s news in their own way but for many it’s a moment that challenges both their optimism and resilience. It’s a moment when the team of caring adults we surround them with is needed most.
 
I’m writing today to ask that you be a part of this team and contribute your voice to those confirming for our students that they are welcome here, they are valued members of our community, and that we are more committed than ever to their success.
  
Below are some ideas of how you can show our students you stand with them and make a difference in their lives. You can add your voice in lots of ways - by donating to help us serve more students or by simply sharing this with your networks and encouraging their involvement.
 
Now more than ever, I’m deeply grateful to be a part of Enroot and for the support of so many individuals who invest in our students’ futures.

Thank you, today and every day, for being a part of our family.

Ben Clark
Executive Director

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Now more than ever our students need your support. Let them know you've got their back and stand with our community to affirm the value of our immigrant students.

Share stories about our students with your friends, family, and network. Show our community how much you value Enroot students and celebrate their amazing accomplishments. 

We're not sure what the days, weeks, and months ahead will bring for us, our community, or our students. We're committed to staying informed, staying involved, and staying active to ensure that our students feel safe, celebrated, and encouraged to succeed.

Why I Joined Enroot!

By: Sampriti, Enroot Student Class of '17

Hi my name is Sampriti. I came to the United States last April.  Last year I joined the City Links mentoring Program [now Enroot]. I got an amazing person as my mentor. She was very helpful and friendly. I was helped by her with my homework and improving my English. My mentor also gave me information about the college application process. We also went to museums, made art projects and went out for ice cream which was really fun. As a new student in this country I understood that I could never get these opportunities unless I joined City Links.

Samprity and other Enroot students at the MIT Hackathon.

This was my first summer in the United States and I got a summer job through City Links. I worked as a junior staff member for an academic program called Summer Discovery. I worked helping teachers in the classroom with the students. It was a great experience and I have learned how teachers take care of students. I am feeling grateful that I was a part of Summer Discovery, and I enjoyed working with the teachers.

Also during the summer City Links arranged a few field trips I got chance to visit Trip Advisor, Novartis, Education First and Georges Island. I also got chance to participate in a MIT Hackathon.

“City Links” is now “Enroot”. This program only has changed their name. The goal is the same. This program has many different options for immigrant high schools students. As an immigrant student I think I made the right decision to join this program.

Meet our new AmeriCorps!

Highland Street americorps ambassador or mentoring: Claire Takhar

“I am excited to get to know the students and volunteers—the people that make our program work! Each volunteer that I’ve spoken to has had fascinating perspectives and experiences. I look forward to learning more about the nonprofit world and the impactful work that is being done for the community. ”

In August, Claire Takhar joined Enroot as the Highland Street AmeriCorps Ambassador of Mentoring.

Claire's role:  Claire will build Enroot's capacity to serve students by helping to recruit and support volunteer mentors. She will work most closely with students in the Mentorship Cohort. 

Previously:  Claire spent two years as an EFL Teacher in the Republic of Georgia, Vietnam, and Korea. Claire also did a year of AmeriCorps service with City Year Detroit. 

When asked, "What's the best flavor of ice cream?" Claire responded: 

The best flavor of ice cream, undoubtedly, is Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked. Not content to merely offer ice cream, Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked does more. It combines the classic, unbeatable appeal of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with velvety fudge brownie bits -- throwing in thick gobs of cookie dough because it's just crazy enough to work. It's three desserts in one: ice cream, brownies, and cookie dough. No other ice cream flavor works harder to deliver the most out of every heavenly bite.

americorps Massachusetts Promise Fellow: Georgia Lederman

“I am excited to get to know our amazing students, and to develop my understanding of effective ELL programs. I am also excited to learn from Enroot’s exceptional staff and volunteers about their experiences with and insights into education systems, nonprofits, cross-cultural communication and positive youth development!”

Georgia Lederman joined the Enroot team in August as a Massachusetts Promise Fellow. 

Georgia's Role:  Georgia recruits, supports and trains volunteers, and assists in curriculum development and implementation. She will work most closely with students in the Leadership Cohort. 

Previously: Georgia spent the summer interning at the International Rescue Committee in New York, where she worked closely with refugee youth at the Refugee Summer Youth Academy.

When asked, "What's the best flavor of ice cream?", Georgia responded:

To be perfectly honest, I am more of a cookie, pie or pastry type of person. If I had to choose, I would say Heath Bar Crunch or anything with rainbow sprinkles.