About
About
Some students dismiss the idea of attending college as early as middle school because they don't think it's possible or worth it. This is called foreclosure, and it's what Project Teach aims to address.
Impact Data
Engaging students
Since 2001, Project Teach has reached more than 6,800 students in Cambridge and Boston public schools.
Collaborating with educators
Every year, Project Teach works with 11 public schools across Boston and Cambridge.
Building confidence
After the Project Teach experience, students reported an increased confidence in their ability to ask questions about college.
Research-Based Approach
In 2012, Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) faculty member Mandy Savitz-Romer and writer Suzanne Bouffard co-authored Ready, Willing, and Able: A Developmental Approach to College Access and Success, a study that sought to understand how and when adolescents start thinking about college. Their research suggested that several key components are critical in promoting a college-going culture among students.
The Project Teach model employs these factors in its developmental framework:
- Communication about college goals and terminology;
- Sharing of college information and resources;
- A sense of partnership with college students, faculty, and the college itself;
- Ongoing involvement of family.
Learn About The Framework
Project Teach Team
The Project Teach team is comprised of members of Public School Partnerships (PSP), an academically focused team that cultivates strong relationships with Boston and Cambridge public schools, interns from HGSE, and undergraduates from Harvard College.
Program Evaluation
We regularly conduct studies to determine the efficacy of the Project Teach program and find out which initiatives students enjoy most. We use this feedback to improve the program by adding new classes, developing lesson plans for teachers, and researching ways to better connect students with their support networks.
Read the Program Evaluation Report Summary
Get Involved
Are you a Harvard affiliate looking to make a positive impact on the lives of local youth? Get in touch to find out what you can do to support the Project Teach mission.