Celebrating Student Success Across Catholic Charities Boston

Across Catholic Charities Boston, students are achieving incredible milestones in their learning journeys across six education centers and other learning-based programs. From building confidence in English language skills to preparing for meaningful careers that will fill critical gaps in the healthcare and IT fields, these stories highlight the power of education, community, and perseverance.

From Learning English to High School Valedictorian

This June, longtime Teen Center member Keila Rosario graduated as valedictorian of Dearborn STEM Academy and will attend Northeastern University on a full scholarship. Having moved to the U.S. in 2021 without knowing any English, Keila credits the Teen Center in Dorchester, which helps guide and empower over 200 youth during after school and summer hours through academic and enrichment activities, for helping her find the confidence to pursue her dreams.

“Having somebody who could help me understand English and who could look at me and say, ‘You’ve got this,’ made a huge difference,” Keila said. “In this place, it’s not only about doing homework or learning. It’s about a community coming together to help each other.”

A Bridge to Brighter Futures

Celebrations were held throughout the month for ESOL graduates at Catholic Charities Labouré Center in South Boston, the Yawkey Center in Dorchester, Catholic Charities North in Lynn, Catholic Charities South in Brockton, and El Centro Adult Education Center, where students reflected on their academic growth and future goals.

El Centro ESOL and IT graduate Naqibullah shared moving words about how the program changed his life. “El Centro built a bridge for me to cross over,” he said. “Because of their support, mentorship, and resources, I am now pursuing an associate degree in cybersecurity. I’ve gone from being overwhelmed to being ready to break into an industry I once thought was out of reach.”

“Remember, you are not starting from scratch—you are starting from strength.”

Empowering The Next Generation of Healthcare Workers

Recent graduates of our Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide training programs in Brockton and South Boston are entering the healthcare field with the knowledge and compassion needed to make a difference—while also helping address the nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals.

“I am excited to give back to the community I grew up in,” shared Memi, who will be attending nursing school this fall.

On June 27, over 30 students will graduate from Catholic Charities’ ESOL Healthcare Bridge program, which trains on the skills needed to enter the healthcare field. They’ll join a growing community of alumni like Edna, who was able to enroll in a free patient care technician (PCT) training program at Mass General, thanks to a partnership with UMass Global. “Having the background from the healthcare bridge program helped a lot,” she said. “The PCT class helped us to explore more advanced topics and learn new skills.”

High School Diplomas and Newly Minted Kindergartners

At the Notre Dame Education Center (NDEC) in South Boston, students celebrated a major educational milestone: earning their high school diplomas through the High School Equivalency program.

“This accomplishment reflects our students’ determination, resilience, and commitment to building brighter futures for themselves and their families,” said Carly Steinfeld, Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator at NDEC.

The youngest students from Labouré and Yawkey Childcare Centers also reached an important milestone–––kindergarten. Parents cheered on their children as they graduated from pre-school at special moving on ceremonies with food and music, bubbles and face painting.