Dedham Youth Commission to Begin 4th Year of College Bound Program...

The announcements had been made, and the applications had been completed and returned. Interviews had been scheduled and the screening process completed. Letters of congratulations had been mailed home to the lucky seventh grade boys and girls, selected to attend this years` 2015 College Bound Summer Program, conducted by the folks from the Dedham Youth Commission.

The Dedham Youth Commission (DYC) is an experienced group of hard-working, fun-loving, professionals – dedicated to providing social, educational, recreational and health conscious programs for the youth of Dedham.

The staff consists of Director and coordinator Robert Blaney, veteran youth services counselor Greg Cabral, and licensed independent social worker Angela Osei-Mensah. Blaney, himself a certified teacher and principal, has spent over 10 years, working with the youth of both the inner-city and the suburbs. Cabral, a lifelong Dedham resident, has over a decade of experience in the community, and Osei-Mensah has spent the past four years counseling and mentoring young adults.

Thanks to the assistance of a grant from the Dedham Savings Bank, College Bound was first introduced and offered to the Dedham Middle School students in the Summer of 2012. Now, through a series of fundraising events and an increase in local sponsors, the DYC is able to expose our local students to a variety of college tours across New England, participate in an assortment of “job-shadowing” days around Dedham, and – in partnership with Ripples of Hope – are able to conduct a number of community service programs here in Dedham.

The students spend a week “living” at Regis College, experiencing the life of a college student. There are science and critical thinking courses, debates and essays, panel discussions, and guest speakers. Blaney also explained that there are just as many fun things planned as well. Their experience will include dance parties, karaoke events, swimming, team sports, movies, field trips and much more.

College Bound is a well-planned, well-balanced three week program, designed to present a variety of career choices to these students, encouraging them to lead healthy, proud lives and become leaders in the community.

The students and their parents, recently met with Rob, Greg and Angela for an informal “what to expect” meeting at Town Hall. By the end of this get together, the students couldn`t wait for their Summer Session to begin, and the parents were all thrilled that something like this is being offered and that their son/daughter would be able to attend!

Story and Photo by: Joe Kilroy