Opening the Door

Talent — Courage — Persistence — Achievement

In 1983 UMass Boston stood almost alone in the belief that Boston's public schools were an untapped reservoir of talent. UMass Boston and Urban Scholars co-founders Charles Desmond and Joan Becker recognized the talented young people in those schools — future leaders who could build successful lives and make contributions to our increasingly diverse, complex, and technology-driven society.

That year Urban Scholars enrolled fifteen academically talented students from three nearby public high schools in a pilot program that would prepare them for the life-changing opportunity of a college education.

Since then, we've served nearly 1,500 students, 98% of whom have gone to college, as compared to 53% of Boston Public School students who do so. Share our pride by meeting the people behind Urban Scholars — individuals whose talent, courage, persistence and achievement have opened doors to brighter future and a better world.