Data 4 Impact (D4I) uses data dashboards as a continuous improvement tool for interventions designed to keep young people connected to school. In collaboration with the Boston Public Schools Office of Data & Accountability and the Office of Opportunity Youth, the OYC is building a set of data dashboards that track the effectiveness of chronic absentee interventions. 

The same data strategies are being applied at Bunker Hill Community College to track the effectiveness of interventions aimed at boosting the success of young men of color. The HOPE (Halting Oppressive Pathways in Education) Initiative,which brings together faculty and students of color in a learning community centered on anti-racism, is a key partner. HOPE Ambassadors are male students of color who poll fellow students and provide feedback to the college on policy and practice. 

Building strong, durable partnerships through a shared vision and shared activities is at the core of our strategy to improve career outcomes. The OYC leverages major institutions like the Boston Public Schools and Bunker Hill Community College to help build their capacity to deliver career pathways at scale. Given the importance of a college credential in Boston, our current pathway work focuses on leveraging the existing college coaching initiative, Success Boston. In addition to Success Boston college navigation coaches, the OYC’s HOPE Forward coaches work with HOPE to provide coaching to opportunity youth and young men of color at BHCC. PIC career coaches provide career exploration, planning, and employment support.

Throughout the pandemic, increases in mental health challenges for young people have been reported along with increased difficulty of finding appropriate care. Through the Healing Centered Organizing project, young leaders will organize and develop a mental health campaign. The five key elements of Healing Centered Organizing are: Engaging in critical analysis and fight for structural change, promoting physical and mental health, engaging in community building, ensuring youth leadership and ownership, and fostering relevance and meaning. The recommendations and vision of the young leaders will inform Launch, the OYC, and partner organizations on strategies to address the wellness needs of opportunity youth.