Our Vision of Success
In Boston, there is a powerful consensus that a community's responsibility for its youth doesn't end when the school bell rings at the end of the day. Given that children only spend 20% of their waking hours in school, out-of-school time programs are an important youth development tool to steer kids along the road to success. Boston is fortunate that committed government, education, philanthropic and business leaders recognize the need for an integrated strategy to serve Boston youth of all ages.
What does success look like for youth?
A successful youth strategy will increase the number of Boston's youth graduating from high school - our baseline aspiration for them. It will send them into society with a set of 21st century skills that enable them to live fulfilling and productive lives.
Many systems affect whether any young person can achieve this vision of success. No single intervention -- K-12 education, early childhood, public health, or out-of-school time -- can bring us to our goal. The challenge is for communities to forge a common strategy for youth and to understand what each intervention uniquely contributes to success.
What is our role in achieving that outcome?
Boston Beyond serves as a catalyst to create and maintain a partnership of the City of Boston, the local philanthropic community and the city's business and civic leadership. This partnership collaborates to refine and implement a shared vision and plan of action to improve and expand OST services for Boston youth. Boston Beyond advocates for the resources and support that program providers need to be effective. We develop and compile research which serves as the basis for our initiatives. This research and other resources are made available through our website and convenings.
In the end, our goal is to develop a continuum of programs models to serve children at various development stages that will carry young people towards success - from kindergarten through high school graduation.