Pine Manor Institute honored
The Pine Manor Institute for Student Success at Boston College (PMI), which this summer will welcome a second cohort of local students to its Academy program, has been recognized with the Janus Award from Codman Academy Charter Public School in Dorchester, Mass. The award annually recognizes a new program that has shown outstanding support of first-generation students and Codman applicants.
Brian U. Nwafor (at right), assistant director of The Academy at the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success, accepts the Janus Award from Daniel Hoffman, dean of college and career advising at Codman Academy.
The Janus Award “recognizes that Codman’s ambitious mission is not one that can be accomplished alone," said Codman Academy Dean of College and Career Advising Daniel Hoffman in presenting the award at the school's graduation ceremony earlier this month. In particular, he lauded the PMI Academy—designed for students in grades eight to 12 from underserved communities as well as first-generation students—as a free-of-cost enrichment program that provides year-round academic support from Boston College Success Coaches.
The award is named in honor of former Codman Academy Dean of Alumni Niki Janus, who, Hoffman said, “ushered countless alumni through the many obstacles of college life.”
“This thoughtful recognition of the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success at Boston College celebrates our continued partnership with Codman Academy and is an affirmation of The Academy's achievements in its first year," said Joy Moore, vice president and executive director of PMI. "We are delighted to welcome Codman students—and all our Academy students—back to Ď㽶Đă's campus this summer.”
Brian Nwafor, assistant director of The Academy, and Mercy Lara-Bautista, associate director of admissions, accepted the award on behalf of PMI.
A two-part experience, the Academy includes a residential Summer Enrichment Program for Greater Boston-area middle and high school students from partner schools, including Codman Academy. The one- to six-week program begins in the summer after seventh grade and continues through high school; the second component provides academic-year tutoring and mentoring as students work with Ď㽶Đă Success Coaches who help them navigate their school years and support them in reaching their goals.
The initiative is one of four components of PMI, which are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented and first-gen students. Six Codman Academy students are among 103 Academy participants—including 57 eighth graders and 46 ninth graders—who will reside on campus in Williams Hall from July 31 through August 5 and August 12, respectively by grade.
The program combines academic preparation in language arts and STEM fields with enrichment experiences, overnight adventures at a natural or historic New England site, field trips, and volunteer experiences. Students learn the keys to success in high school—including public speaking, self-discipline, SAT and ACT test preparation, and time management, with each year of The Academy exploring different core values to help students develop their gifts and talents. For courage, tenacity, and confidence, eighth-grade students practice public speaking and study skills to prepare for the challenges of high school. The values of identity, harmony, and companionship are the focus for ninth-grade participants, who will take an overnight trip to the Blue Hills Reservation, in Milton, Mass., where they will encounter challenges—through activities and mini-courses—to help them build a stronger sense of self and their capabilities.
As a community, the students will share what they are learning in electives focused on culinary arts, music, chemistry, and other topics.
The Academy builds on the Boston College and Pine Manor College legacies of providing academic support and personal attention to first-generation students from underrepresented and underserved communities. PMI will continue to provide Academy graduates with coaching and mentoring for up to two years.
Learn more about The Academy at the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success website.