'Least Likely to Succeed' Succeed

An enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, friends and staff gathered at the Bruce C. Bolling Building in Roxbury on Tuesday for College Bound Dorchester’s third annual Matriculation Celebration.

Fifty four Bowdoin-Geneva residents, ages 19 to 27, previously deemed “least likely to succeed,” celebrated their successful completion of the nonprofit’s HiSET certification program and their subsequent enrollment in a community college or four-year university.

The organization turns formerly failing students into role models within their community. The nonprofit’s goal is to make college graduation a norm for Dorchester youth, not the exception. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Boston School Superintendent Tommy Chang and College Bound Dorchester CEO Mark Culliton addressed students, commending them on their milestone achievement. Two College Bound Dorchester graduates shared their stories about how the program has transformed their lives. Among those in attendance was Arlington Resident and College Bound Dorchester Board of Directors member Mike O’Toole of Arlington. For too many, CBD is the last hope for an education and the ability to earn a living wage. The organization turns formerly failing students into role models within their community. The nonprofit’s goal is to make college graduation a norm for Dorchester youth, not the exception. For more information, visit collegebounddorchester.org.

Photo credit: Romana Vysatova Photography. (From Left to Right): College Bound Dorchester CEO Mark Culliton, College Bound Dorchester Board of Directors Member Mike O’Toole of Arlington.