BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) provides intensive educational programming and academic remediation to elementary school students most at risk for failure in their early academic experiences. BELL delivers these supports in some of the most under-resourced urban schools in the country, serving over 11,000 children annually in Boston, New York, and Baltimore. BELL is currently expanding its reach by launching programs in Springfield, MA and Detroit, MI.
BELL’s vision is simple: Given the opportunity to succeed, all children can excel. BELL views out-of-school time – particularly during the summer – as a critical opportunity to help children reach their full potential. Its after-school and summer programs are structured to provide each child individualized support in small classroom settings with a student-to-teacher ratio no greater than 9:1. BELL programs also feature small-group tutoring in literacy and math; mentoring from adult role models to foster self-respect and social skills; experiential learning through field trips, guest speakers, and community service; support for parents to engage more deeply in their children's education; and rigorous evaluation to ensure continual improvement and success for children.
BELL programs demonstrate success and achieve measurable results. In 2007, 100% of children who entered BELL programs with standardized test achievement at a “failing” level advanced to a higher proficiency level following BELL intervention. In addition to recognizing these appreciable results, the Highland Street Foundation has long valued the vision and leadership of BELL's founder, Earl Martin Phalen, and selected this organization as one of our earliest grantees. We share the belief that when all children have access to high-quality opportunities like BELL, graduation rates will increase, communities will be stronger, and the inequalities stemming from inadequate and under-funded schools will diminish. Highland Street Foundation trustees were attracted by BELL's emphasis on parental involvement and year-round learning, and by the deep commitment BELL shows to the young people in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan neighborhoods of Boston.
