Alray Scholars Program

Through mentoring and financial support, we give promising graduates of Boston Public Schools a second chance at a college education, assisting them in overcoming hurdles to earn their degree and become stronger contributors to the Greater Boston community.

High school students from the inner city often have to navigate a minefield of obstacles and distractions to get to college. But once they get on campus, too many find that their college careers can be easily derailed, sometimes as a result of small missteps that can cascade into something far more serious. Without strong support systems in place to help these students recover, many who leave the college path find it extremely difficult to get back on it. A recent study demonstrated that the percentage of Boston Public School (BPS) graduates who finish college falls well below the national average and well below the rates of students from public schools in suburban Boston. The Alray Scholars Program was designed for precisely that kind of student: A promising individual from Boston who had the smarts and drive to overcome hurdles and get to college but who needs some crucial assistance in finding a way back there.