Mayor Wu Applauds Wentworth's STRIVE Program for Boston Youth

August 8, 2024

by Greg Abazorius

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu visited Wentworth Institute of Technology's campus on Thursday, meeting with some of the city's most industrious youth.

For 35 years, Wentworth has partnered with Boston Public Schools on STRIVE, a program providing vocational training and life skills to youth with unique learning and physical needs as they transition from high school to post-secondary life.

Mayor Wu met with dozens of BPS STRIVE students at Wentworth's Recycling Center and later joined them on a tour of the university's 610 residence hall. Her visit highlighted the program's success and the importance of such partnerships in preparing students for post-secondary life and independent living.

"It was a great day meeting with students in the STRIVE program and learning about the hard work they do, and how this partnership will help them succeed post-grad and beyond," Wu said.

Wu toured the facilities with Wentworth President Mark A. Thompson, Vice President of Business Dave Wahlstrom, Director of Training and Development Brenda Tanon-Jackson, and Director of Community Relations Johanna Sena. The mayor capped her visit by asking students directly what her office could do to help provide more resources.

More than 6,000 individuals have successfully participated in STRIVE-and 99.9% of them have been able to apply their newfound skills to gain employment, advocate for themselves, and live independently.

"I am extremely appreciative of Mayor Wu's visit. She was very receptive to our students, giving them a platform to express what the Strive program means to them. It brings me joy when more people get to see these students in the same light that I do," said Tanon-Jackson.

Michelle Wu has served as Boston's mayor since 2021, previously serving on the Boston City Council. In 2016, she was named "Woman of the Year" at Wentworth's annual Women @ Wentworth event.

Tanon-Jackson expressed optimism about what a larger spotlight on STRIVE could mean for the future.

"I am excited to see the possibilities of new partnerships, resources, and vocational opportunities that will benefit the lives of our current and future students," she said.

Representatives from the Boston Mayor's Office, Boston Public Schools, and Wentworth pose in 610 Huntington Avenue