National Volunteer Week Spotlight: Q&A with Bob Rosenbaum

Enthusiasm + Gratitude = One Valuable Volunteer Experience!

Bob smiles with his math mentee, a 4th grade student at Orchard Gardens K-8 School in Roxbury

A financial supporter of Boston Partners in Education for many years, Bob Rosenbaum began volunteering with Boston Partners two years ago at the Orchard Gardens School in Roxbury, MA. Bob has demonstrated that he is an essential partner to our organization, as well as an exemplary volunteer and role model to his students. We are so proud of Bob’s commitment to help educate Boston’s youth. Here’s what he had to say about his experience mentoring fourth grade students through our Math Rules! program.

Q: What impact have you seen on the students?

A: The enthusiasm for math seems to be high. The two girls that I work with are keeping up with the rest of the class. The students are excited when I walk into the classroom and eagerly come over to the area where we work together. They have consistently put a lot of effort into their work and are attentive and engaged. The entire class is very well behaved (kudos to their teacher Ms. Donovan) and they are all very welcoming to me.

“This experience has been one of the most rewarding activities of my life. Giving a child just a little extra attention makes a world of difference to their success.”

Q:  What has the impact been on you?

A: Fourth-grade math has been much more challenging for me then I imagined! It is keeping me on my toes. But, it is an extremely heartwarming experience to be with these children and watch them catch on to the material. I think a lot of credit goes to the environment at the Orchard Gardens School. I look forward to going in each week despite the long drive.

Q: What is the best part about volunteering?

A: Having the possibility of making a small difference in these children’s lives and hoping that they will continue to have an interest in math. The gratitude is pretty nice too.  My final session last year exemplified this. The student that I had spent the most time with, Aroya, came up to me as the class was lining up to go to lunch and wrapped her arms around me and said she would miss me. Cue the tears!

Guest Post from our Big Cheese Reads Gala Honoree

The Big Cheese Reads Gala is held annually each spring to celebrate our work in the Boston Public Schools, but it’s also a great opportunity to recognize our sponsors who make that work possible. At this year’s gala, we are excited to honor Jim MacDonald, President of Workplace Investing at Fidelity Investments. Please read as Mr. MacDonald, a four-time Big Cheese Reader, shares his experiences with The Big Cheese Reads and Boston Partners in Education. 

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As president of Fidelity’s Workplace Investing (WI) company, I spend a lot of time speaking to clients about the benefits of helping their employees save and invest for a secure retirement.  It’s our commitment to service quality and a clear and consistent strategy that make Fidelity a leader in our field.

Along with many other Fidelity employees from across the country, I also a share a deep commitment to give back to the communities in which we work.  I can say with confidence that we have a special place in our hearts for Boston, Fidelity’s home since our founding in 1946. So what better way to invest in the city we love than mentoring Boston’s future leaders?

“Do the best you can in life and make sure you like what you do. It makes a big difference,” said Jim MacDonald during a Big Cheese Reading at the Jackson Mann K-8 School. The Jackson Mann will be celebrated at The Big Cheese Reads Gala this year.

My wife and daughter are both educators, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact that spending time in the classroom can have on students. So I’m particularly proud of Fidelity’s longstanding relationship with Boston Partners in Education (Boston Partners). Founded in 1966, Boston Partners seeks to enhance the academic achievement and personal growth for all of Boston’s public school students by providing them with focused, individualized in-school volunteer support.

Fidelity volunteers have supported Boston Partners in a variety of ways to help give students the support and encouragement they need to succeed. For over three years, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in The Big Cheese Reads, Boston Partners’ signature sponsorship initiative. As a Big Cheese Reader, I’ve enjoyed reading in the classroom and sharing advice with middle school students.

During a recent visit to the Jackson Mann K-8 School in Allston, I spoke with a large classroom about my role at Fidelity and my early career as a computer programmer. To my delight, I found that many students were interested in technology and computer gaming and may explore careers in software development. If hearing about my personal experience makes an impact on just one student, then I believe the visit has been a success.

Andy Tuite, Principal of Jackson Mann K-8 School told me, “We get a lot of sports figures who come through our school, but it’s important for kids to get to know business leaders in our community too. They are the ones making things happen daily across our city.”

In recognition of Fidelity’s role in helping to close the achievement gap, I am honored to accept an award to celebrate our longstanding partnership with Boston Partners in Education and our commitment to supporting local education.

Please join me at The Big Cheese Reads Gala on April 30, or consider becoming a volunteer academic mentor or a Big Cheese Reader… it’s an investment with a priceless return.

NEW! Watch a video of Fidelity leaders as they reflect on their experiences with The Big Cheese Reads.

More than a Mentor

It’s National Mentoring Month, a time to focus national attention on the need for mentors, and work together to ensure positive outcomes for our young people. At Boston Partners in Education, we refer to our volunteers as academic mentors, caring adults who not only tutor students, but build a bond with them over time. The story below captures the mentoring moments that occur when you volunteer in a Boston Public Schools classroom.* 

*Please note: Volunteering at the McKinley is slightly different experience than our standard academic mentoring opportunities.

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When you walk the halls of the McKinley South End Academy, it appears to be a typical city public school. But take a deeper look and you’ll realize it’s so much more than a school… it’s a community.

Inspirational quotes line the halls of the McKinley School

The McKinley is an alternative school for students with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. In order to meet the needs of each unique student, the school provides a wide range of academic programs and support services on-site. McKinley’s teachers and staff are exceptional people– extremely dedicated to enhancing the physical and mental health of all students.

One of those educators is Charlie Burke, Assistant Program Director. Mr. Burke has been at the McKinley for nearly 31 years and has been using Boston Partners’ volunteers in his classrooms since 2003. This partnership consistently provided him with trained, responsible volunteers, but recently Mr. Burke got more than he bargained for. After seeing three incredible academic mentors in action, he then added a few more staff members to the McKinley family. These new full-time staff members are Mai Alumran, Michelle Ventura and Ashley Carnathan, all former psychology students of Professor Schim at Boston University (BU).

“All of them started through Boston Partners in Education as volunteers and we recently hired all three,” said Mr. Burke. “And I could just tell wonderful stories about each one of them.”

Mai Alumran

During her time at BU, Mai Alumran knew she wanted to work with kids after graduation, but didn’t have applicable experience. So her professor recommended volunteering at the McKinley through Boston Partners.  After Mai got started volunteering the minimum commitment of two hours* a week, she was hooked and began volunteering 3-4 hours a day.

“I really liked the kids from the first day, so I just started volunteering more,” Ms. Alumran said.

Mai’s effect on the students was equally powerful. For example, Charlie attributed one particular success story to Ms. Alumran.

Charlie Burke and Mai Alumran, former Boston Partners volunteer turned McKinley employee

“There was one girl in particular that just loves Mai so much,” said Mr. Burke. “This girl was one of our most difficult students last year – but she loved Mai. She failed all last year, but we had statistical proof that if Mai was here, she was in class, on track. Now this year, this girl got the biggest trophy for most improved student overall.”

As for Mai herself, she believes that every psychology student should have hands-on volunteer experience in order to supplement what they learn in class.

“I would say that volunteering here was actually the best thing I’ve ever done, the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m not joking,” said Ms. Alumran. “I think I’ve learned more in a year than I have in four years of undergrad.”

Ashley Carnathan

Ashley Carnathan never thought that her psychology degree would lead her to a teaching career. Now in her second year at the McKinley, she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“I did really enjoy psychology – I was thinking more counseling and that sort of thing, so I volunteered one full summer here, and then the next year I had gotten a paid position,” said Ms. Carnathan.

Mr. Burke was very impressed with the strength and resilience Ashley showed as a volunteer; he knew she’d be a good fit… even if she was unsure of it herself!

“Ashley has been my rock in the classroom,” said Mr. Burke. “There has been a shift of staff and kids around her, but she has been the constant, and kids really know that they can trust her and rely on her. She’s very good at setting limits, but she’s also very nurturing.”

While Ashley says she finds working at the McKinley very enjoyable and fulfilling, it’s also hard work.

“Working in a school is really challenging, and it can kind of wear on you a little bit, so it’s important to get that experience with different students in the Boston Public Schools,” said Ms. Carnathan. “I would highly recommend just trying it out while you’re in school, just to see if it’s something you’re interested in.”

Ashley Carnathan (left) and Michelle Ventura (right) share a smile with a McKinley student

Michelle Ventura:

Michelle Ventura was in her second year of volunteering at the McKinley, when a chain of events landed her a full-time job.

“After graduating, when you’re looking for a job it’s always the scariest,” Ms. Ventura said. “Luckily, the opportunity to work here came up. Through the [Boston Partners] program, they already knew me in the classroom, so it was a much easier process because I had that background of volunteering.”

Mr. Burke recalled a story of a student with a harrowing track record, a girl who was going to ‘tear the school upside down and inside out.’ The student took an immediate shine to Ms. Ventura, however, and Mr. Burke said she has done an unbelievable job to keep this girl in check.

“The McKinley is a very special school – a lot of the students have a lot of different, special needs that need to be attended to, so that’s why I thought this was a perfect school where I could volunteer so I could help them,” said Ms. Ventura. “Right from the beginning you could see what a reward it was. One of the boys attached to me right away so he would always look forward to seeing me from week to week.”

It’s true that mentors can truly change the lives of the young people they work with. And in most cases, including at the McKinley, the mentor is getting something out of it too. To learn more about our academic mentoring programs in Boston Public Schools,  please visit www.bostonpartners.org.

Meet our 2015 Marathon Team

marathon: (măr-ə-thŏn’) Noun
1). A footrace of 26 miles, 385 yards; 2). A contest of endurance

As if it wasn’t already, The Boston Marathon® has become a household name across the U.S. and quite possibly, the world.  There are many reasons one chooses to endure months of rigorous training in the harsh winter conditions, whether it’s the personal triumph of pushing yourself mentally and physically, or just scratching an item off the bucket list. But for Team Boston Partners, running the Boston Marathon is less about the glory and more about a commitment to helping Boston’s children succeed. Learn more about our extraordinary team below, and please cheer them on as they prepare for April 20, 2015.

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Meet Team Boston Partners

Carissa Catarella is a 3-time member of Team Boston Partners, raising an impressive $10,000 over the past two marathon cycles. As a former volunteer, Carissa has seen the impact of our academic mentoring programs firsthand. “Knowing how this organization changes the lives of children motivates me to train harder and work harder at fundraising,” Carissa said. Several obstacles have prevented Carissa from crossing the finish line over the past two years, so she’s taking on this challenge with unrelenting persistence. Carissa currently works at Granite Telecommunications and lives in Taunton. To learn more about Carissa or contribute to her campaign, please visit her fundraising page.

Ellie Brink became inspired to run her first marathon after the tragic events that transpired in 2013. After completing the BAA Half Marathon this past October, Ellie is ready to channel that initial inspiration by taking on the famous Boston Marathon. A Power Lunch volunteer at Gardner Pilot Academy, Ellie is excited to run for Boston Partners in Education, an organization whose cause she “knew was worth raising money for [because] you can see the direct impact of the dollars raised to the schools and programs.” Ellie currently works at Salus Capital Partners and lives in Charlestown. To learn more about Ellie or contribute to her campaign, please visit her fundraising page.

Stephen Greene enters his first marathon eager to fulfill a long-time goal and follow in the footsteps of his many friends who have run the Boston Marathon for charity. Motivated by a “time in [his] youth where a strong relationship with an adult helped foster an interest in academics,” Stephen is thrilled to be supporting Boston Partners in Education, an organization that continues a similar tradition of mentoring students, through his dedication to completing the Boston Marathon. Stephen works at the American Tower Corporation and currently resides in Waltham. To learn more about Stephen or contribute to his campaign, please visit his fundraising page.

Team Boston Partners is a member of The Marathon Coalition, a group of 16 Boston Athletic Association and John Hancock sponsored charities that train together for the Boston Marathon.

Our runners are so thankful to be part of the Marathon Coalition, not only for the coaching, but for the camaraderie and support.

Guest Blog: ASA is Back in Action

Guest blog post by volunteer academic mentor Tim Morris of American Student Assistance

Here at Boston Partners, fall is the season to gear up for the new school year and get volunteers back into classrooms.  For Power Lunch in particular, this means helping volunteers–new and veteran– feel prepared for reading with, engaging with, and providing support to their student match. We asked Tim Morris, a returning volunteer, to recount how he got ASA- a company that gives college students the tools needed to unlock their dreams- to begin serving students who sit in much smaller desks.

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The 2014-15 school year marks the second year of participation by my company—American Student Assistance® (ASA)—in the Power Lunch program. ASA’s vision is for every student who wants a college degree to be able to receive it in a financially responsible way. Achieving this allows students to unlock their dreams.

Our mission and vision align perfectly with those of Boston Partners in Education and Power Lunch, which sparks enthusiasm for reading in kindergarten through third-grade students. Reading is an obvious key to success. If you can’t read, then you can’t write. Without these two complementary skills, people face a lifelong, uphill battle in their quest to attain the American Dream of leading a happy, successful life.

Last year, I brought Boston Partners’ and ASA’s senior staff together to discuss the benefits of participating in Power Lunch. I was shocked to learn that students who aren’t reading at grade level by grade three will likely remain behind grade level for all of their time in school. What an eye-opener!

I was quite taken aback by this disturbing fact. At first, I was somewhat intimidated by the awesome sense of responsibility that this knowledge engendered within me.

But then I realized that, as a Power Lunch participant, I’m not a reading teacher: I’m a mentor. I can only strive to do my best to be a positive, encouraging influence in the life of my mentee.

Tim and his Power Lunch student Aidan at the Warren Prescott K-8 School in Charlestown

Once the program got going at Charlestown’s Warren-Prescott K-8 School last year, any residual fear I had just evaporated. My experience and that of my fellow mentors was the same: no matter what kind of mood we were in or what work obligations were on our minds when we arrived at the school, we all left with smiles on our faces. Our students were sweet, energetic, funny, and frank, and the 40 minutes we spent with them were always very rewarding.

As I field questions and address the concerns of fellow ASA associates who are interested in joining Power Lunch this year, my mind is flooded with hundreds of wonderful memories. I tell potential Power Lunch mentors to just relax, do their best, and enjoy the ride. It goes by very fast.

Looking for a way to make an impact outside of the office? Contact Ashley Lee to get your organization started as a Power Lunch company at 617.451.6145 or alee@bostonpartners.org, and get ready to head back to school.

Improving Lives through the Rodman Ride

Salus Capital Joins Team Boston Partners to Help Raise $25,000 for Kids

On September 20, 2014, nearly 1,500 bicycling enthusiasts will gather in Foxboro to participate in a non-competitive cycling event to help raise funds and awareness for their favorite youth-focused charities.  The Rodman Ride for Kids offers cyclists an exhilarating 25-, 50-, or 100-mile tour through the beautiful back roads of Norfolk County and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of over 100,000 kids in Massachusetts.

For more than 23 years, the Rodman Ride has brought dozens of social service agencies together to raise millions of dollars for life-changing programs that support at-risk youth in Massachusetts.  Affiliated agencies raise funds through sponsorships year round, culminating with the non-competitive cycling tour each fall.  In turn, the Ride for Kids matches these funds at a rate of 6% when the agency meets their predetermined fundraising goal.

For the fourth consecutive year, Team Boston Partners will be participating in the Ride through a partnership with the Mass Mentoring Partnership. The team is an eclectic group of dedicated cyclists riding in support of Boston Partners in Education’s programs, confident that their involvement will improve the lives of Boston’s children.  Every penny raised by the team and matched through the Ride will go toward placing trained volunteer mentors in Boston Public Schools (BPS) classrooms.

A significant portion of this year’s team is made up of riders from Salus Capital Partners, a commercial finance and asset management company based in Needham, MA, which provides secured asset-based loans to the middle market.  Since its establishment in November 2011, Salus has continually demonstrated its commitment to the community through volunteerism and charitable support for Massachusetts agencies.

“We believe businesses have a responsibility to be a positive part of their community. We live and work in the Boston area and are proud of the work our employees and partners do to give back,” said Andrew H. Moser, President and CEO, Salus Capital Partners.

Mark Gallivan and Maureen Gibbons rode 50 miles in the 2013 Rodman Ride for Kids, raising $4,500 for the cause.

Salus Capital has a total of seven cyclists who have volunteered to ride in support of Boston Partners in Education and its programs, and the company has committed $5,000 on behalf of its riders toward the Boston Partners Team goal of $25,000. Two of the 50-mile riders, Mark Gallivan and Maureen Gibbons, also rode for Team Boston Partners last year, raising a total of $4,500 for the cause.

“We find it so gratifying to be a part of this ride,” said Maureen Gibbons, Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration. “Especially since Salus volunteers can actually see the real impact funds raised can make at the classroom level through our involvement with Boston Partners in Education.”

This year, both Mark and Maureen are geared up to surpass last year’s fundraising goal and have recruited several new riders from Salus to help them and join the fun.  Ryan Gass is one of those recruits who is excited to be able to give back in a way that fits his busy lifestyle and limited free time.

“It’s great to be able to enjoy a crisp fall day riding through the beautiful back roads of New England, knowing you’re doing something valuable for your community and kids who deserve the chance to reach their full potential,” said Gass, Assistant Vice President, Loan and Credit Operations at Salus.

Salus Capital’s employees volunteer for two of Boston Partners in Education’s signature initiatives: The Big Cheese Reads and Power Lunch.

Salus encourages and values volunteerism and charitable giving among its employees, which is in keeping with its creed of community enrichment, responsible business practices and corporate citizenship. If you would like to support any of the Salus riders, please click on the following links to their individual fundraising webpages: http://tinyurl.com/ABourdony, http://tinyurl.com/MGallivan, http://tinyurl.com/RyanGass, http://tinyurl.com/MGibbons, http://tinyurl.com/JMcCray, http://tinyurl.com/MikeWatson. Thanks Salus!

If you would like to learn more about Boston Partners in Education’s programs or become a volunteer, please visit our website at http://bostonpartners.org/. To support our team for the Rodman Ride for Kids 2014, please visit our team page: http://tinyurl.com/SupportRideBP.

Celebrating 10 Years of The Big Cheese Reads

From humble beginnings in its pilot year (2004-05), The Big Cheese Reads, Boston Partners in Education’s signature sponsorship and middle school literacy initiative, hit its stride in Fiscal Year 2014.

10th Anniversary kick-off party on 10/10/13 at the Lilah G. Frederick Middle School in Dorchester

This year marked the initiative’s 10th anniversary, and with that came a year of celebration and unprecedented successes! In addition to surpassing its fundraising goal, The Big Cheese Reads reached a record-breaking 115 middle school classrooms across the Boston Public Schools district.

Over two thousand 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students were given the rare opportunity to meet and engage in conversation with accomplished community members (“Big Cheeses”) including Mayor Marty Walsh, State Street Corporation’s Chairman, President and CEO Joseph (Jay) Hooley, Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart, and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, among others.

Joseph (Jay) Hooley, Chairman, President & CEO of State Street Corporation at the Eliot K-8 School

“You’re all equally smart,” said Mr. Hooley to a 8th grade class at the Eliot K-8 School. Mr. Hooley shared details about his rise to the top; beginning with a solid public school education and an after-school job pumping gas.  “What will determine whether you are a gas station attendant or a CEO is how hard you are willing to work.”

During each classroom visit, “Big Cheeses” emphasize the importance of literacy as it relates to career success. The result? Students learned about careers they’d never even heard of before! (What actually is an International Executive Services Officer, anyway?) Further, they heard sound advice about the importance of working hard and staying in school—from an adult other than a teacher or family member.

“I learned that even if you have a dream, always have a plan B,” said one 6^th grade student, “I realized you should stay in school for a good career.”

Teachers found The Big Cheese Reads classroom visits valuable as well. “Having someone from their community come in and speak to them allows my students to see how they too can be successful,” said a teacher from the Oliver Perry K-8 school in South Boston.  “It also makes them feel special for someone to take the time to answer their questions.”

Terry Metzger, President & CEO of Boston Financial Data Services, smiles with a 6th grade class at the Warren Prescott School in Charlestown

Thank you to everyone who participated in our epic 10th Anniversary year of The Big Cheese Reads! For more about how the Big Cheese Reads supports our core programs, watch the video below.

Mother Knows Best

On Mother’s Day we celebrate the bonds we have with some of the most loving and nurturing people we know. At Boston Partners in Education, we’re always celebrating our wonderful academic mentors, who nurture and encourage a dedication to academic achievement in the students they serve.

Recently, an academic mentor from our Math Rules! program got the opportunity to meet his student’s mom. Mother, child and volunteer were able to enjoy the successes of the mentoring relationships all together!

Steve Herrera has been a Math Rules! volunteer for the past five years. One day this year, his student Andrea ran up excitedly to tell Steve about her high score on a math quiz. As they high-fived, Steve was greeted by a woman with a visitor’s pass. “Hi, I’m Andrea’s mother, Amy.  I came in to volunteer with her class today so I could meet the person who’s been tutoring my kid, and thank him for helping her bring up her math grades.”

Amy Shamatta, her daughter Andrea and Boston Partners’ academic mentor Steve

Since Andrea’s been a participant in Math Rules!, her mom noticed the boost in her grades, and realized that Andrea had become more interested in school as well.  “She does like going to school more this year. Being confident about her grades is part of the reason, and taking tests is less stressful thanks to Mr. Steve,”Amy said.

She’s also noticed that her daughter has become more confident. Following Steve’s suggestion of timing her while she does her homework, Andrea’s mother saw that her daughter finishes homework faster, and is more confident in doing it on her own.

“Andrea has never been the first to raise her hand in school, as she is a bit shy, but it is important to her to do well,” Amy said. “Now that her self-esteem has been raised, she feels confident enough to help her younger sister with her homework.”

Steve surprised the thankful mother by telling her that his hour of tutoring is the best hour of his week. While the meeting was brief, Steve has described this encounter as one of his best mentoring moments in his five plus years of math tutoring!

 

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Kathy Strand

National Volunteer Week, April 6-12, 2014, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

Since 1966, Boston Partners in Education has been mobilizing volunteers to serve as academic mentors to Boston Public Schools students who are at-risk of falling behind in their learning. Whether it’s helping a second-grader read her first chapter book, or helping a 10th-grader pass the state assessments, all of our academic mentors share the culture of giving back. They believe in sharing themselves— lending their time and talents to strengthen our community and improve Boston’s future.

On Your Marks, Get Set…Go! 2014 Marathon Team is off to a Strong Start

Sidewalks and roads are treacherous as winter storms continue to strike the Boston area. Considering the harsh conditions, most people would balk at the chance to run outside for 15+ miles each week. Yet we have a hearty group of runners who are pushing their personal limits to get ready for what could be the most significant international athletic event ever hosted in our fair city: the 2014 Boston Marathon®.

Thanks to the John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program, Boston Partners in Education is extremely excited to be joining the 114^th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2014. This year we have six runners running for us, three of whom are returning from the 2013 Marathon to finish the race at last.

Meet Team Boston Partners!

Ruth Dowling, Brandon Shankle, and Meaghan Dorsi with Executive Director Pamela Civins

Meaghan Dorsi decided to run after last year’s tragedy, which inspired her to represent Boston’s spirit of strength and perseverance. She is “honored to run for the victims of last year’s attack and thankful for Boston Partners in Education for giving me the chance to join them in making a difference.”

Annie braving the cold to train for Marathon Monday!

Annie Antonellis is continuing a family tradition of supporting youth in Boston through Boston Partners— her father Joe Antonellis is the Chairman of our Board of Directors!  Annie’s journey is a challenging one, as she is finding time to train while also staying extremely busy in her final year of medical school. “I decided to do something a little crazy and run the Boston Marathon!” Annie said.

Ruth Dowling has been a fantastic supporter of Boston Partners in Education for several years, acting both as a Board Member and a volunteer.  Ruth has been a Power Lunch volunteer for the last three years, and says that “spending time with Alisha is a highlight of my week.”

Ruth dedicates her time to helping Alisha improve her reading skills and self-confidence

Due to the unfortunate events that unfolded at the 2013 Boston Marathon, everyone who was unable to cross the finish line was offered a chance to take on the course again. We are proud to have our 2013 “Dream Team” Carissa Catarella, Brandon Shankle, and Benton Berman representing Boston Partners in Education again this year. 

Carissa Catarella, Brandon Shankle, and Benton Berman are back to finish the race!

Our team is part of the Marathon Coalition, a group of non-profits who have banded together to help all of our runners achieve the best possible results, both on and off the course. Under the guidance of Coach Rick Muhr, our runners are ready mentally and physically for both fundraising and the race.

Our team members with the runners of the Marathon Coalition (Photo Credit: Tyler Trahan)

You can read more about our amazing team of runners at http://www.crowdrise.com/BPE2014BostonMaraton. Here you’ll find biographies of our runners, and personal statements about why they chose to support Boston Partners in Education. You can also make a donation to help support our runners meet their goal of running the Boston Marathon, and help Boston Partners in Education support Boston Public Schools.