Fall 2024: Summer Recap and Reflections

Originally sent by Mindy Wright on September 26, 2024. This archived newsletter includes announcements and deadlines from that time.

Happy Fall!

We are looking back at summer 2024 with fun-filled memories and pride. We are proud of all the ways we have grown and continue to grow thoughtfully, intentionally, and strategically. More than ever, we are committed to innovating and reinforcing our commitment to our mission. Our comprehensive career development program is working to promote wealth equity, economic mobility, and build social and cultural capital for first-gen, low-income, high achieving students through a small cohort model focusing on culturally responsive and authentic relationships.

We are grateful for your support in helping us grow and build capacity to fulfill our mission.

Meet Cohort VII: Our Largest Cohort to Date!

We are excited to officially introduce our newest cohort of Upward Project Scholars! After a competitive recruitment season with over 100 applications, we have welcomed 14 outstanding scholars into Cohort VII. We are proud to share that half of this cohort was accepted through our Priority Application Cycle in the winter, while the rest were admitted through our Rolling Cycle in the spring.

Cohort VII represents an array of neighborhoods across Greater Boston, including Dorchester, Everett, Mattapan, Lynn, Revere, Brockton, and Cambridge. Below is some data on how Cohort VII aligns with our eligibility requirements.

We extend our gratitude to all nominators for a successful recruitment season and look forward to your continued collaboration and nominations in 2025!

2024 Summer Intensive

During The Upward Project's annual 2-Week Summer Intensive this past July, our Scholars participated in team-led college and career readiness workshops on topics ranging from professional email writing, time management, and navigating college campuses. Our career trips took them to leading companies like Klaviyo (tech), MFS (investment management), and CDM Smith (engineering), offering a glimpse into different industries. To build social and cultural capital, our Scholars explored Boston’s financial district, bonded during a day trip to a high ropes course in New Hampshire, and cheered on the Red Sox at Fenway.

Beyond the professional and educational experiences, our Scholars formed a tight-knit community before heading their separate ways for their first year of college. One of our Scholars reflected, “My absolute favorite part of my time this summer was building a community with such amazing people. I have made so many new friends and connections that I was not expecting.”

TUP Summer Internships

At The Upward Project, one key measure of success is ensuring that every Scholar engages in a career-aligned summer opportunity. Nearly half of our undergraduate Scholars pursued coursework or enrolled in programs aligned with their specific career pathways. Meanwhile, the remaining Scholars gained hands-on experience through paid internships this past summer. The feedback from companies and organizations was overwhelmingly positive! 100% of our internship employer partners either Agreed or Strongly Agreed that our Scholars excelled in the following areas:

Career Management

Professionalism & Work Ethic

Teamwork & Collaboration

Communication

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

We are so excited to continue growing as an organization and are thankful for your support. We look forward to following up at the end of 2024 with a recap of our year and a glimpse of what's to come!

If you are interested in connecting with The Upward Project, please fill out our engagement interest form. A member of our team will reach out to you.