Questions? Visit us at alray.org or email us at info@alray.org.

Graduate!

apply and interviewOnline application deadlines every June 15 and October 15.

receive scholarship and meet your mentor Each scholar is paired with a dedicated mentor for guidance and support.

Work hard and stay in touch with your mentor Our mentors help keep our scholars on track until graduation.

If needed, apply for the Finish Line FundScholars are eligible for extra financial support to make it over the final hump to graduation.

Start

1

23

4

5

www.alray.orgwww.alray.org

Giving Boston students a second chance at college

W I N T E R 2015–2016

In This IssueMeet the Spring 2015 Scholars ............... 2

Mentors & Mentees ................................. 4

Alray Joins Mass Mentoring Partnership ... 5

Program Donor Meryl Kessler................... 6

Program Donor Jerome Allen .................... 6

Alray Scholars 3x3 Tourney ...................... 7

Donate Today ........................................... 7

Alray Scholars Path to Success ............... 8

The Alray Scholars model of providing Boston students with financial support and the guidance of dedicated mentors is producing important results, helping to tackle locally the enormous college debt crisis that is unfolding nationally.

Despite the increased coverage of college debt issues, a critical dimension of the problem has been largely overlooked: the depressing number of students who are saddled with lots of loans that have to be repaid but who lack the college degree that would dramatically boost their earning power.

These “degreeless and in debt” students represent precisely the unmet need that the Alray Scholars Program was founded to address. In the six years since our incorporation as a nonprofit public charity, the Alray program has helped more than 50 stymied students from Boston return to college. Already, 13 have earned their degrees, and many more are poised to do the same.

As word about Alray has spread, the demand for our services has spiked. This year alone, more than 60 applicants applied for a spot in the program, our biggest pool yet.

Moreover, as we’ve strengthened our level of support, notably with the hiring of part-time program director Janet Altman thanks to a grant from the Cummings Foundation, we’ve seen an impressive jump in our student retention rate. More students are being admitted into the Alray program, and the program is helping many more of them remain on track to graduation.

None of this progress would have been possible without the generous support of our donors and foundation partners. As the program continues expand and help change lives, that support is more important than ever.

A graduate of the Boston Public Schools, Rachel Regis started at Johnson & Wales in 2007, the first in her family to attend college. But she eventually had to leave, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of school, a full-time job, and being a mother.

Through sheer determination and a deep desire to better herself and her family, Rachel returned to college with the help of a scholarship and mentoring support from the Alray Scholars Program. By 2012, she had finished all her coursework to earn her bachelor’s degree. However, Rachel was unable to receive her actual degree because of her outstanding balance at the school, the result of debt she had accumulated

early on. For three years, Rachel diligently made payments towards the outstanding balance. But without enough money to pay off the whole balance, Rachel remained stuck in a disheartening period of limbo.

Thanks to a grant this spring from the Alray Scholars Program’s new Sam Swidey Finish Line Fund, Rachel finally received her college diploma—one day before her 30th birthday. Her bachelor’s degree arrived in a large envelope—no pomp or circumstance—yet it is the fulfillment of seven years of hard work and unwavering commitment. Rachel is now working at Morgan Memorial Goodwill as a Job Specialist for a Human Services Training Program.

“I am so proud of where I am today, and I am so thankful to those who believed in me,” she says. “I know there is still more work to be done, and I know now that this is my calling—to share my story and my struggles to inspire others.”

Spread the WordThe Alray Scholars Program accepts qualified students year-round. If you know promising students who have returned to college, encourage them to apply at www.alray.org. Don’t miss our twice-a-year deadlines of June 15 and Oct. 15.

Alray Scholars Program: It’s Working

For New Graduate, Seven Years of Hard Work Pays Off

Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship FundP.O. Box 960400Boston, MA 02196

A

We are grateful to the Cummings Foundation, the Forest Foundation, and Grand Circle Corp. for their generous grants in 2015, which makes the work we do with our scholars possible.

www.alray.orgwww.alray.org2

Our MissionWe pair scholarship recipients with dedicated mentors who offer them the guidance and support they need to stay on the path to earning a degree. Read more about why we do what we do at www.alray.org

3

Meet Our Spring 2015 Scholars

Denaisha Lesley-CoburnDenaisha is a graduate of Boston Prep Charter School. She immediately went on to college at Farleigh Dickinson University after high school, but financial difficulties drove her back home after just one year. Now extremely studious and focused on success, she says she fully understands the dangers of taking too much time away from education. This fall, several years after leaving college, she enrolled at UMass Dartmouth to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Anthony WalkerLike Alray Taylor, Anthony grew up in Mission Hill and graduated from Charlestown High School, playing basketball for Alray Board Member Jack O’Brien. A Division I athlete, Anthony initially enrolled at the University of Loyola at Maryland for a short period, then transferred to Marist College. Unfortunately, the demands of balancing intense athletics and academics proved too challenging. He had to leave school, doing odd jobs before working in construction for seven years. Now working as a Radiology Technician Aide at the Newton Wellesley Hospital, he enrolled this fall at Middlesex Community College to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Radiology. With his current job, training and studies working in concert to advance his career, he plans to continue his education in Medical Imaging or a related field.

Cristian Morales-MartinezCristian is a graduate of the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. He first enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College, earning a place on the Dean’s List. But he was working part-time, paying out-of-pocket and found he ultimately could not keep up with his tuition payments. Forced to withdraw, he later enrolled in Year Up’s Information Technology program and completed an internship in Harvard University’s IT department. This fall, he re-enrolled at Bunker Hill, where he plans to finish his Associate’s Degree in engineering and transfer to a four-year college.

Courtney Best Courtney earned her GED from Boston Public Schools and went on to earn a certificate in Ophthalmic Assisting from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. The epitome of a woman who deserves a second chance, she has three sons, a stepdaughter, fiancé and full-time job at New England Eye as a patient care coordinator. Courtney enrolled full-time this fall in Lesley University’s online Business Management program. Her goal is to earn a degree so she can advance within her company, which she says is tremendously supportive and encouraging. She ultimately wants to take on a management position and perhaps become an entrepreneur.

Ugochukwu Ojimba (Ugo)Ugo graduated from Boston Latin School and attended Morgan State University for two years before leaving, due to lack of sufficient financial aid. He then joined the Marines and served for ten years, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq. He also earned an Associate’s Degree at Hesser College and attempted to enroll at UMass Amherst through the Veterans Administration GI Bill. But a federal government shutdown halted his tuition payments and forced him to withdraw once again. This fall, he enrolled at Northeastern’s University College of Professional Studies, with the support of the VA and Alray Scholars. When he’s not studying, he’s volunteering as a Pop Warner Football Coach for the Mattapan Patriots and as a supporter of local political causes.

Yaselis Gonzalez-CastilloYaselis graduated from Melrose High School as a METCO student and first enrolled in a four-year college in New York. But lack of family support, working full-time and personal issues caused her to withdraw. She continued her education at Bunker Hill Community College, but then suffered an accident that hospitalized her for seven months. After recovering, she returned to school and found the Year Up program, which connected her with Cambridge College’s financial operations program; she then dual-enrolled and received her Associate’s Degree. She also works at Boston Financial as a Compliance Fund Administrator. She enrolled in UMass Boston this fall to pursue a degree in human services, aiming to help improve Boston as a youth and community outreach worker. She also participates in community events, such as the Walk for Hunger and cancer fundraisers.

Leah JacksonLeah graduated from Charlestown High School after attending Boston Arts Academy and first attempted college at Northeastern. But lack of financial support and instability in her housing and jobs made focusing on school too challenging. She has worked in administration at Boston Children’s Hospital since 2011, and eventually returned to school at Roxbury Community College, where she made the Dean’s List. Providing stability and security for her 4-year-old son is her inspiration. Her ultimate goal is to be able to provide him with all the financial and emotional support he needs to pursue his own educational dreams. This fall Leah enrolled at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science to pursue a degree in Diagnostic Sonography.

www.alray.orgwww.alray.org4

The Alray Scholars Program recognizes the critical importance of our mentoring program and its positive impact on our scholars. This year, we entered into an organizational mentoring relationship of our own, working together with the Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) and the Mayor’s Mentoring Movement to improve our practices.

Mass Mentoring is fueling the statewide movement to expand empowering youth-adult relationships. Here, Nate Baum, Manager of Training and Technical Assistance, and Toney Thompson, Recruitment and Partnership Associate, talk about mentoring and our relationship.

What appeals to Mass Mentoring about our program?

Nate: Alray Scholars recognizes the importance of caring adults in the lives of learners who have experienced major life obstacles—all too common for young adults in Boston. Research shows mentoring is effective in supporting older students who have experienced challenges in and after high school, supporting their ability to navigate and succeed in school.

What is mentoring and why does it matter?

Nate: It is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals

Alray Joins the Mass Mentoring Partnership

Financial DonationsHelp us assist deserving students.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation using the donor form on the back or visit www.alray.org/donate. Questions? Please contact Anne Comber at acomber@alray.org

who offer guidance, encouragement and support aimed at developing the competency and character of the mentee. Unfortunately, many young people can’t point to a caring adult to provide this level of support and guidance. Programs like Alray Scholars help us close this relationship gap and strengthen our communities.

What is the Mayor’s Mentoring Movement?

Toney: President Obama issued a call to action through the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, asking cities, nonprofits and businesses to support boys and young men of color. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh answered this call, partnering with the Mass Mentoring Partnership to increase the number of positive youth-adult relationships. The goal is 1,000 new mentoring relationships for Boston youth in the next two years.

Why does Alray resonate with potential mentors?

Toney: Many people want to give back to their community but face the barriers of everyday life. Alray’s unique mentoring model gives people flexibility to participate in a mentoring program (on their own time) with youth who have a clear goal—to improve their lives by returning to college. It’s very appealing.

Alray Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Its official name is the Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship Fund.

In-kind Donations Items such as printing, equipment and other supplies would be greatly appreciated. If interested in donating, please contact Janet Altman at jaltman@alray.org

5

How

to Get

Involved

MentoringToo many Boston students start college but never finish. Mentoring support helps keep our scholarship recipients on track. You can make a difference too. Become a mentor or corporate partner and help more students change the trajectory of their life. Please contact Janet Altman at jaltman@alray.org for more details.

Que Chi Nguyen & Isabelle Cazales-Evans

Miguel Chavez & Jethro TrenteetunMiguel, mentee:“A mentor is not someone on a pedestal, they’re not a teacher, they’re not someone who does things right all the time. What I’ve found out about Jethro is he’s a normal guy. He’s like me. I’ve learned through him how to prioritize the right things. I knew experience was worth a lot in the kitchen, in my industry, but if I ever wanted to run or own (a business), to be on top of anything, I need to get a degree. School is very important, you can’t move forward without having a degree. Working to pay for school leaves not very much time for anything else. When someone comes to

you and says, ‘Hey, we like what you’re doing and we’re willing to pay for a semester,’ that alleviates a lot of pressure.”

Jethro, mentor:“One of the biggest things about being an Alray mentor is understanding the power of a two-way relationship. I can learn just as much from Miguel as he can learn from me. Miguel is doing culinary arts at Bunker Hill Community College and he’s also working full-time as a manager for a restaurant. And I commend him, because I don’t understand what it takes to work full-time and do school. Eventually, I plan to go back to school and work at the same time. Seeing what he’s going through, how he’s handling the juggle, is something I can learn from. I would most definitely recommend that anyone who’s capable should become an Alray mentor. Just to be able to reach out and help someone, be a friend and guide them... I feel like it’s very rewarding to see the person you’re mentoring succeeding.”

Que Chi, mentee:“Growing up, I never really had a mentor or anyone who I could really turn to for help. Isabelle is there for me, she’s a source of support. She’s always given me great advice, life lessons that I can take to heart. She provides guidance during a time in my life when I’m still trying to figure what I want and where I want to go. Her stories and advice give me inspiration to become the person I want to be. She reminds me that the issues I’m dealing with now are a small part of my long life, and that everything will be OK.”

Isabelle, mentor:“I’ve benefited from mentors, people who really watched out for me. Mentoring is a special and lasting relationship, a warm and shining spot in one’s heart one

Alray Mentors & Mentees: Relationship is Invaluable

can always visit. I thought if I could help someone else, it would enrich my life too. It feels good to help somebody succeed. My mentee has returned to school full-time and she amazes me with her courage, determination and resilience. She is a smart and wonderful young woman. We became friends right away. It’s important for her to know she’s not alone. I’m experiencing a wonderful sense of holding someone’s hand to see her through, to tell her the world is hers. Hopefully, I will be right with her on graduation day. I know we will both be so happy.”

Mimi Idada & Carine TaraziMimi, mentee:“I got into Northeastern and I was so ecstatic. I was jubilating. And then I got my financial aid packet and I was just down. It was sad because I knew I couldn’t afford to go. I found Alray Scholars and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this must be a miracle!’ I was really blessed to have gotten into school. I wouldn’t be at Northeastern, honestly; the scholarship made a lot of difference. But I’ve realized that support doesn’t just come from finances, it comes from the people you’re able to talk to. Carine’s always been there for me… to just be there about anything, whether it’s school or family. She’s always there to check-in, and so is the whole Alray board. They’re just really caring. And it’s not just about helping you just get through school, with finances. It’s also about the emotional part.”

Carine, mentor:“I went to one meeting and I decided that I would become part of Alray Scholars, because I really liked the students. I liked the entire program. I thought it was doing a really good thing. I would tell someone who’s on the fence about being an Alray mentor that it really is very rewarding. I’ve been an Alray mentor since 2011 and I’ve learned so much from my mentees. It’s a very give-and-take process. I truly enjoy doing it.”

Former Friend of Alray Taylor Becomes Monthly Donor

Jerome Allen Multimedia Lab Manager, Information Technology, Saint Michael’s College, contributes to the Alray Scholars Program monthly, through an automatic deduction. To learn more about how to commit to an automated monthly contribution, please contact Janet Altman at jaltman@alray.org or visit www.alray.org/donate

“I give to the Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship Fund because I knew Alray and he was instrumental in my growth as a young man, learning how to live and how to make an impact in this world. Alray once told me that every time he heard my name, it was associated with positive things. Seeing as I looked up to him like a big brother, it really meant the world to me. I think of him often and hope that he would be proud of me on my journey.”

Many thanks to all of the players who competed the 3rd annual Alray Scholars 3x3 at Bunker Hill Community College on September 19, 2015. Congratulations to The Lakers, who took home the big prize. Special thanks to all our sponsors and volunteers, including: Bunker Hill Community College (Athletic Director Khari Roulhac and Dean of Academic Support and College Pathways Programs Nuri Chandler-Smith); Paul Campbell and his team of referees; photographer Billy Owens; Bowers & Wilkins, Eaton Vance, and The Boston Globe.

www.alray.orgwww.alray.org6

Our NamesakeThe Alray Scholars Program was founded in 2008 to honor the memory of Boston student Alray Taylor by assisting promising students in overcoming many of the same hurdles that Alray faced during his short but unforgettable life. Read more about his story at www.alray.org/alrays-story

Alray Scholars Program Donor Meryl Kessler Gives from the Heart

Kessler and her husband live in Newton, and both work in Boston. “People who live in Greater Boston can’t see themselves as insulated and isolated from what happens in Boston, and from the health of the city,” she said.

Kessler and her husband began making generous annual donations to support the Alray Scholars Program about three years ago. In December 2015 they hosted a party at their home to raise donations, promote relationships and recruit new mentors.

“I loved that it was a scrappy, hands-on organization that wasn’t working at 30,000 feet,” Kessler said, of her decision to support Alray. “It was really working hand-in-glove with young people. They identified the problem and they really figured out how we can intervene and get people back on course to college completion.”

Donor Meryl Kessler didn’t require a hard sell—or even a real “ask”—to open her heart, wallet and living room to the Alray Scholars Program.

Kessler was just talking with a friend over coffee: longtime Alray volunteer Janet Altman, now Program Director.

“She was telling me about the program, back when she was a member of the board,” she said. “But she was speaking with such passion and enthusiasm about the mission. That really resonated with me.”

Kessler, now Executive Director of the Massachusetts League of Women Voters, has a deep interest and background in education. She worked previously with Boston Public School students in an after-school program promoting civic education, run by the nonprofit Discovering Justice. Her husband, Scott Oran, serves as board chair of a Boston charter school.

“We were both pretty aware of how difficult it is for Boston kids to make it through college and come out the other side,” Kessler said. “Getting there is really challenging. So many people don’t realize how easy it is for someone to become derailed in their college career… like someone who doesn’t have the money for the last few credits.”

Find us on:

Alray Scholars Program gives Boston Public School graduates a second chance at a college education. Thank you for believing in these students and supporting their dreams. Because we are a small organization, every donation makes a big difference.

Contribution Amount: $25 $50 $100 $250 Other

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Email Address:

Thank you!Please complete this form and mail it with your check payable to:

Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship FundP.O. Box 960400Boston, MA 02196

Or use your credit card to donate online via Paypal at www.alray.org/donate

3rd Alray 3x3 Tourney Scores Big for Scholars

Alray in the NewsCheck out this recent Boston Globe Magazine article by Neil Swidey, explaining the origin story of the Alray program. http://bit.ly/1MwFm2h

Love Amazon.com? Now you can support the Alray Scholars Program every time you shop! Visit: www.smile.amazon.com and search for “Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship.”

7