Our Impact
Collectively, our programs represent the University’s commitment to recruiting, retaining, and graduating students from underrepresented groups. We understand that fostering access to college begins with work at an early age. Programs like Trotter Pen Pals, JSHS, and Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science build the drive for students to aspire to college. Our programs for BU undergraduates offer support during the high school to college transition, connect scholars to resources on campus, and provide events and mentorship meant to enhance their experience. Postgraduate programs recruit and support underrepresented master’s and doctoral students in education programs, and provide these students with a national network of peers along with the close-knit community of Wheelock’s postgraduate programs.
Student Stories
Chris Bunting
Posse Atlanta Scholar, College of Arts & Sciences, Sociology Major & Public Health Minor, Class of 2020
“I did not even think of applying out of state before Posse. Being off on my own in a major city was something I really needed, but did not realize it when applying to college. In addition to surrounding me with inspiring and supportive fellow scholars, meeting Posse founder Debbie Bial and talking to her about her story helped me realize my potential for impact,. I am now looking beyond simply getting a job, and more towards making larger scale policy and community changes in my career. [My advice to incoming CASS Scholars] make connections with people across CASS cohorts in addition to your own group, and get out into the city as much as possible.
I am eternally grateful for being able to study at BU and surround myself with amazing people, history, and arts I likely would have never experienced otherwise.”
Anya Carbonell
Hayden Scholar, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2022
“My mentor, Marisa Milanese, has helped me the most [at Boston University]. Whenever I needed help, I always turned to my mentor, and she’s the reason why I know so much about the different resources available to me at BU… It was also through [the Hayden Scholars Program] that I was able to land my first internship at TERC (Technical Education Resource Centers). I don’t think I would be where I am in my college career so far if it weren’t for CASS. I’m extremely happy and proud of studying at BU as a CASS Scholar because of the opportunities that have been provided to me. My first year was challenging but also very rewarding because of the help I’ve received through this program.”
Samaya Hasberry
BPS Community Scholar, College of Arts & Sciences, Sociology, Class of 2020
“College is the time to explore, try new things, and discover who you are, so it would be beneficial to volunteer with a program along the lines of something you enjoy or something completely new. You never know what it could do for you. The BPS Community Service program has helped me to find a program where I mentor kids, and I am very grateful for the experience I have had so far. This program has contributed to my success at BU. It helped me to find an organization to participate in outside of academics and offered me an amazing mentor who I know whenever I need to, I can go to and talk about how my life is going. ”
Tommy Suen
BPS Community Scholar, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2018
Tommy came to Boston University from John D. O’Bryant High School, and studied Computer Science. He now works as a Technology Analyst for Accenture. His mentor was Stephanie Cafaro,
“BU was my dream college from the get-go. The community and the people are great. They made me step out of my comfort zone and I knew there were many possibilities I could venture off to […] The number one takeaway I got from the community service program was how it made me remember how I got to BU and why I came to BU in the first place, which was to make an impact. Having a mentor kept me grounded. It’s really easy as a freshman to get overwhelmed […] but it really kept me grounded and know where my roots were and the importance of giving back to the community.”