Passport is an enrichment and college-advising program for high school juniors. This program is a curriculum-based holistic approach to helping students develop the skills, motivation and determination necessary to successfully enter and complete college.  Students are admitted at the beginning of their junior year as part of a cohort and remain in the program until graduation from high school.  Throughout the 2 years, students engage in SAT prep, career exploration, leadership development, individual and team projects, and workshops on character-building and life skills. Participants in Passport are involved in service learning opportunities through community service projects.  The Passport program is offered weekly throughout the school year.  After successfully completing Passport and enrolling in a 2 or 4-year college, students will be eligible for a $1,000 college scholarship.

One of the successes of Passport is its cohort model.  Participants form a community and learn together as a community.  Because the Passport program consists of a community of learners, the result is positive peer pressure.  Another critical piece to the Passport program is the mentor component.  Mentors work one-on-one with students, supporting them through their Passport journey.

To view the Student Brochure, click here. 

To view the Mentor Flyer, click here.  Click here for the Mentor Application. 

REQUIREMENTS

Students should:

• Be juniors in the fall of 2008

• Have a 2.0 minimum GPA

• Have a desire to attend college

• Have completed and passed the following high school courses:
   1 Science course, 2 English courses, & Algebra I

• Be registered for the following:
   1 Science with lab, 1 Foreign Language, 1 Social Studies course

• Sign a contract agreeing to fulfill the Passport expectations

BENEFITS

• $1,000 scholarship

• Guidance with the college process

• Campus tours

• SAT prep with Princeton Review

• Career exploration

• Identification of transferable skills

• Development of life skills, such as time management, goal-setting, and communication

• Special events

• Access to Passport network, including older students and young professionals

MEETINGS

Passport meets weekly from 4-6pm, starting in October 2008.  These sessions will take place throughout students’ junior and senior year.  There are two days/locations to choose from:

    (1) Mondays: North Cambridge (for directions, click here )

    (2) Tuesdays: Central Square (for directions, click here )

TIMELINE

Applications are currently being accepted.  To download a student application, click here.

*Early application deadline: Monday, June 30th. 

Regular application deadline: Monday, September 15th.

*Students who apply for the early application deadline will be given priority in the application process.  Additionally, if accepted to the program, these students will have a reduced enrollment fee.

QUESTIONS? 

Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions.  If you need more information, please contact Director of Community Youth Programs, Reena Mathew: 617.252.0005 x110 or via email at reena@bostonvineyard.org.

FAQ

Is it free to apply?

Yes, applying to the program is free. If accepted, students are required to pay a non-refundable enrollment fee of $35 (for early applicants) or $50 (for regular applicants).  Please note that scholarships available for special financial circumstances.

What is the application process?

All students must submit an application and meet with Passport staff.  Students who apply by the early deadline will be given priority in the application process and will be notified by mid-July. Students who submit applications for the regular deadline will be notified by the end of September.