Summer 2026: Welcoming 20 New Scholars and a Growing Team
As your summer is well underway, we are excited to share some of the incredible milestones happening at The Upward Project.
This season marked one of the most significant moments in our organization's history. We recruited our largest cohort yet by accepting 20 exceptional new Scholars into Cohort 9, completed another transformative Summer Intensive that prepared our newest Scholars for success in college and beyond, and expanded our staff to better support our growing community.
Every summer feels like a new beginning and is a reminder of how important our programming is at The Upward Project. Thanks to our supporters, partners, volunteers, and community, we're continuing to ensure that high-achieving, first-generation and low-income students have access to the relationships, experiences, and resources they need to create economic mobility and generational wealth.
Welcome, Cohort 9!
This summer, we proudly welcomed Cohort 9 to The Upward Project community. Our students are coming from a diverse set of neighborhoods across Greater Boston, including: Chelsea, Lynn, East Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Quincy, Charlestown, Salem, Weymouth, and beyond. Our newest Scholars are preparing to attend colleges and universities throughout the country.
Cohort 9 is an extraordinary group, with an average unweighted GPA of 3.9 and an average SAT score of 1350.
These Scholars arrived with impressive academic accomplishments, leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change in their communities. We look forward to supporting them in their transition to college and beyond.
Summer Intensive 2026: Launching the College Journey
To officially launch Cohort 9’s TUP journey, our newest Scholars came together for our signature two-week Summer Intensive to begin their Upward Project experience.
Before stepping onto their college campuses, Cohort 9 Scholars spent two weeks building friendships, developing critical college and career skills, and beginning to envision the futures they want to create.
Over the course of the program, Scholars engaged in more than 60 hours of structured programming, complemented by 19 shared meals that fostered community and meaningful connections with staff, alumni, employers, and guest speakers.
2026 Summer Intensive By the Numbers:
12 hours of Career Success workshops and networking opportunities
13 hours of career site visits and employer experiences
9 hours of College Success workshops focused on navigating campus resources, academic success, financial wellness, and building a sense of belonging
6 hours dedicated to the Career Pathway Project, where Scholars researched their intended industries and presented personalized five-year career roadmaps
3 hours of financial literacy workshops
3 hours of mental health workshops and group therapy sessions emphasizing wellness, resilience, and self-care
15 hours of community-building activities and social and cultural capital experiences across Greater Boston and New England
One of the defining characteristics of Summer Intensive is that students don't simply learn about college, they begin building the confidence, community, and social capital that help them thrive once they arrive on campus.
By the end of two weeks, Scholars have already formed meaningful friendships, built relationships with staff and mentors, explored career pathways, and developed clear plans for their first year of college.
Investing in Growth: Meet our New Team Members
Behind every workshop, career trip, advising conversation, and shared meal was an incredible team committed to creating a transformative experience for our Scholars. This summer, we were especially excited to welcome two new staff members who played an integral role in facilitating and managing Summer Intensive while beginning to build lasting relationships with Cohort 9 from day one.
Welcome, Jennifer Chan
Senior Career Success Program Manager
Jennifer joins TUP with extensive experience supporting students through higher education and career development. A Fulbright Scholar and graduate of Carleton College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Jennifer brings a deep commitment to educational equity and helping students translate their ambitions into meaningful careers.
"TUP aligns with my own mission of working toward a world where socio-economic status and family background don't predict student outcomes. I can't wait to celebrate wins, regroup after challenges, and support young people fighting for their dream jobs and internships."
Welcome, Saira Carreto Romero
College & Career Success Advisor
Saira joins TUP after years of supporting first-generation students through college access and persistence initiatives. As a Posse Scholar and first-generation college graduate herself, she understands firsthand the barriers our Scholars face and the transformative power of support and community. She now works directly with Scholars through individualized advising, helping students navigate both college and career success.
"I am beyond excited to work with students one-on-one and support them as they navigate their college years and early career development. I am looking forward to collaborating with such an amazing team as we work together to support our students and celebrate their wins!"
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.
Adapted from the original newsletter sent August 4, 2026.