Character Education and Life Skills programs for underserved Youth

Breaking the Cycle of Generational Poverty

Generational poverty is a complex issue that affects many urban communities. At Elevate New England, we believe that mentorship is the key to breaking this cycle. By building long-term, life-changing relationships with New England’s urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their communities. We do this by connecting first in the classroom through character education and life skills programs, empowering young people to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

About Elevate New England

Elevate New England was formed in 2016 to address the challenges facing at-risk youth in public schools, aiming to break the cycle of generational poverty. We provide accredited classes for middle and high school students, focusing on leadership skills, social-emotional learning, and character development. In the classroom, teacher-mentors connect with students and build relationships through engaging, personable teaching methods. This relationship allows teacher mentors to guide students in taking advantage of existing opportunities and building new ones together. Our opportunities cover a wide range such as job interview preparation, volunteer service, sports, and college guidance in school and after school. Over the past 8 years, we have grown to serve over 1700 youth per year in two cities – Lowell and Lawrence, MA. We are the only non-profit organization teaching accredited classes in public schools.

About Elevate New England

Elevate New England was formed in 2016 to address the challenges facing at-risk youth in public schools, aiming to break the cycle of generational poverty. We provide accredited classes for middle and high school students, focusing on leadership skills, social-emotional learning, and character development. In the classroom, teacher-mentors connect with students and build relationships through engaging, personable teaching methods. This relationship allows teacher mentors to guide students in taking advantage of existing opportunities and building new ones together. Our opportunities cover a wide range such as job interview preparation, volunteer service, sports, and college guidance in school and after school. Over the past 8 years, we have grown to serve over 1700 youth per year in two cities – Lowell and Lawrence, MA. We are the only non-profit organization teaching accredited classes in public schools.

Our Approach to preparing Urban Youth for life after high school

At Elevate New England, we believe that youth need support beyond high school graduation. Our approach to workforce development programs for youth for career success includes:

Developing Essential Job Skills

One of the core components of our program is the development of essential job skills. We teach students practical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are crucial for success not only in the classroom, but in any workplace and help our students stand out in the competitive job market.

Internships & Job Shadowing Opportunities

We work with community employers to match youth with internships and job shadowing opportunities. These programs help to motivate and excite at-risk youth by demonstrating that there are companies and people in the world who are equally committed to giving at-risk youth a chance to build a successful career.

Resume Building and Interview Preparation

We offer opportunities so that youth can have positive entries on their resumes, prove their capabilities, and become eligible candidates for jobs of their own choosing.This includes practice with interviewing, guidance about acceptable workplace behaviors, and how to succeed with a good work ethic.

Career Guidance from Teacher-Mentors

Offering one-on-one career guidance, our teacher-mentors help students discover their aptitudes, explore interests, and set actionable and reachable goals. We build strong, trusting relationships that can extend into the future for as long as the student finds the mentorship helpful.

Join us in supporting the future!

Donate today and be a part of their journey towards a brighter future!

Join us in supporting the future!

Donate today and be a part of their journey towards a brighter future!

Accredited Classes in Leadership and Social-Emotional Learning

Our accredited classes are taught in public schools and focus on leadership skills and social-emotional learning. These year-long courses are fully aligned with Common Core State Standards and Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Competencies. Through experiential learning, group activities, and discussions, students collaborate to build character and life skills. Click here for an in-depth description of the curriculum

After-School Mentoring and Activities

After school, Elevate New England offers mentoring and a wide array of activities to further support our students’ growth and development. From job interview preparation to volunteer service, from sports to college guidance, we provide students with the resources they need to explore their interests and reach their full potential.

Exposing Students to Career and College Opportunities

At Elevate New England, we are committed to exposing our students to a wide range of career and college opportunities. From college visits to assistance with college applications, we provide students with the support and guidance they need to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.

Cross-Age Mentoring Opportunities

Through our Cross-Age Mentoring program, high school students have the opportunity to become leaders and role models for elementary school students. Each week, our high school students travel to elementary schools to teach back to younger students the same character qualities and life skills they have learned, helping to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all.

Accredited Classes in Leadership and Social-Emotional Learning

Our accredited classes are taught in public schools and focus on leadership skills and social-emotional learning. These year-long courses are fully aligned with Common Core State Standards and Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Competencies. Through experiential learning, group activities, and discussions, students collaborate to build character and life skills. Click here for an in-depth description of the curriculum

After-School Mentoring and Activities

After school, Elevate New England offers mentoring and a wide array of activities to further support our students’ growth and development. From job interview preparation to volunteer service, from sports to college guidance, we provide students with the resources they need to explore their interests and reach their full potential.

Exposing Students to Career and College Opportunities

At Elevate New England, we are committed to exposing our students to a wide range of career and college opportunities. From college visits to assistance with college applications, we provide students with the support and guidance they need to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.

Cross-Age Mentoring Opportunities

Through our Cross-Age Mentoring program, high school students have the opportunity to become leaders and role models for elementary school students. Each week, our high school students travel to elementary schools to teach back to younger students the same character qualities and life skills they have learned, helping to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all.

The Impact of Our Program

The impact of Elevate New England can be seen in the success of our students. With a 98% graduation rate for students in our program for 3 semesters or more, compared to 78% for the high schools we are in, 90% for all of Massachusetts, and 53% for the nation’s 50 largest urban school districts, our program is making a real difference in the lives of young people.

How Your Gift Helps Support our programs

You can support Elevate New England by making a donation today. Your donation will help us provide opportunities for underprivileged youth, empowering them to thrive and make a difference in their communities.

Join us in tranforming young lives – donate today and be a part of their journey towards a brighter future!