Y/BPS provides outreach grants to lesser-known schools and helps them improve their ability to inform families about the programs and opportunities at each school.

In 2004, Y/BPS awarded grants to the Curley School in Jamaica Plain; the Mendell, the Higginson, and the Hale in Roxbury; the Beethoven in West Roxbury; and the Sumner in Roslindale. These schools have started using the funds and have created new outreach materials including colorful and informative brochures and enhanced websites. They have organized school beautification projects with the help of their surrounding communities. One school held a picnic at Franklin Park Zoo for incoming and current kindergarten families. These efforts, along with the every day work and dedication of principals, teachers and parents, have resulted in families coming inside to see what the schools have to offer. For the four schools first funded by Y/BPS, the numbers of parents ranking them as a first or second choice increased by more than 50% over previous years.

"The Welcome Sessions at the Nathan Hale were BEST ever this year! We started early by inviting new families to all school events, i.e., Math Night, Principal's Coffee, Parent Council meetings, TERC Workshops, WGBH Music and Literacy Family Night and much more. Each family has received a personal call or acknowledgement from a School Site/Parent Council member. The YBPS grant has helped to make it possible to reach every family assigned to the Nathan Hale so that once they have registered for our school, they actually choose to attend."

Sandra Mitchell Woods
Principal, of the Nathan Hale Elementary School in Roxbury