Thanks to the continued generosity of all of Project BOOST ‘s supporters, the program is now in 99 schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City!

One of our newest BOOST schools is MS 126 in Brooklyn. Carl Vinci, CEI’S Director of Student Support Services, brought bagels and conversation to the school on Thursday, November 21st, where students discussed future careers including veterinary sciences, robotics, cosmetology and many more!

Mr. Vinci likes to meet personally with each group of new students for a breakfast with his famous bagels! This meeting is an opportunity for the students to learn more about Project BOOST and Mr. Vinci gets them thinking about the future from their very first meeting. Each student is asked to stand up in front of the group, introduce themselves, explain who they want to be when they grow up and why. Just like the purpose of the program to “boost” middle school students up to high school and then into college, Mr. Vinci believes it is never too early to start planning for the future and thinking about a professional life.

“I feel special to be in the BOOST program because we will have the opportunity to help people in need, experience trips and cultural activities, and get ready to go to good high schools!” said Xaviana B, a sixth grader at MS 126K.

Ms. Nina Fagiola, art teacher and Project BOOST coordinator for MS 126K plans to blend cultural experiences and community service into their new program. She is also planning to have an advisory/mentoring element to give students the one-on-one support necessary to achieve their dreams. She will be working with 24 students who were recommended by the sixth and seventh grade teachers for demonstrating academic promise. She is looking forward to bringing her students on their first cultural enrichment trip to see Cirque de Soleil and then experience social studies in the “real world” through a visit to the United Nations. Stay tuned for updates on their trips!