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Kevin Le, a graduating senior at Boston Latin Academy, says he finally has grown up, thanks to BWH’s Student Success Jobs Program (SSJP).
“In the program, I was treated as an adult,” said Le, who worked part time for three years in the Center for Neurologic Diseases through SSJP. “All projects had to be done to the finest quality; all experiments had to be completed on time.”
The responsibilities and mentorship from associate neuroscientist Cindy Lemere, PhD, helped him grow. “I could come to Cindy for everything. When I turned 16, she offered to teach me to drive a stick shift. Yes, she is that great,” said Le, who accepted a full scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross. “When I finish medical school, I will take an active role in mentoring students as she has done.”
Le is among 44 exceptional students from six Boston high schools who graduated last month from the Student Success Jobs program, which pairs students with paid part time jobs and mentorship in 37 hospital departments. The program receives financial support from the State Street Foundation, John and Harriet Carey and Team Brigham, which is supported by John Hancock.
Since SSJP’s inception eight years ago, 97 percent of its 250 graduates have gone on to college, 92 percent of whom major in health-related fields. “This year, all of the seniors in SSJP are going on to college and majoring in health sciences or medicine,” said Amy Belyea, youth programs manager in the Center for Community Health and Health Equity, to the students, family members, friends and mentors who filled the Bornstein Amphitheater.
“You have given us the privilege of participating in your development,” BWH President Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA, said to the students. “This program is one of the hallmarks of our commitment to community and to our mission of bringing the best and brightest to care for the sickest and neediest patients.”
SSJP awarded scholarships to 16 graduating seniors, the third year the program has done so. “We’ve given close to $100,000 to almost 40 students in three years,” said Wanda McClain, executive director of the Center for Community Health and Health Equity.
This year’s ceremony featured two new awards. Outstanding Student Awards were presented to a sophomore, junior and senior who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their academics and assigned departments, a passion for science and health care and an ability to serve as role models.
Jennifer Rodriguez of Madison Park High School and Jessica Vasquez of New Mission High School also were honored for winning a contest to name and design a logo for therapeutic backpacks given to children of burn and trauma patients. The Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care chose Rodriguez and Vasquez’s name “Healing Hands” and logo of children holding hands.
“This is part of the students’ ongoing legacy,” said Selwyn O. Rogers, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care.
Rogers, also the keynote speaker for graduation, challenged the students to seek mentorship, stretch themselves to new limits and be the best flawed people they can. “As human beings, we all are flawed,” he explained. “We fail sometimes, but that gives us the chance to learn how to do things right. When you first started walking, you didn’t get it right the first time, but that didn’t deter you.”
With multiple opportunities to learn from mistakes and succeed, the students had unforgettable experiences that will help them grow into leaders. As Le told those gathered at graduation, “SSJP creates an everlasting impression: a group of educated young people who will strive to make things better.”