Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Enroot friends, family, and supporters:
 
The two things I admire most about our students are their optimism and resilience. Enroot students are some of the most optimistic and resilient people I’ve ever met.
 
Optimism and resilience also happen to be two of the things I like best about our country, and they are a big part of what continues to make us greater with each generation.
 
Each of our students is processing this week’s news in their own way but for many it’s a moment that challenges both their optimism and resilience. It’s a moment when the team of caring adults we surround them with is needed most.
 
I’m writing today to ask that you be a part of this team and contribute your voice to those confirming for our students that they are welcome here, they are valued members of our community, and that we are more committed than ever to their success.
  
Below are some ideas of how you can show our students you stand with them and make a difference in their lives. You can add your voice in lots of ways - by donating to help us serve more students or by simply sharing this with your networks and encouraging their involvement.
 
Now more than ever, I’m deeply grateful to be a part of Enroot and for the support of so many individuals who invest in our students’ futures.

Thank you, today and every day, for being a part of our family.

Ben Clark
Executive Director

Now more than ever our students need your support. Let them know you've got their back and stand with our community to affirm the value of our immigrant students.

Share stories about our students with your friends, family, and network. Show our community how much you value Enroot students and celebrate their amazing accomplishments. 

We're not sure what the days, weeks, and months ahead will bring for us, our community, or our students. We're committed to staying informed, staying involved, and staying active to ensure that our students feel safe, celebrated, and encouraged to succeed.

Why I Joined Enroot!

By: Sampriti, Enroot Student Class of '17

Hi my name is Sampriti. I came to the United States last April.  Last year I joined the City Links mentoring Program [now Enroot]. I got an amazing person as my mentor. She was very helpful and friendly. I was helped by her with my homework and improving my English. My mentor also gave me information about the college application process. We also went to museums, made art projects and went out for ice cream which was really fun. As a new student in this country I understood that I could never get these opportunities unless I joined City Links.

Samprity and other Enroot students at the MIT Hackathon.

Samprity and other Enroot students at the MIT Hackathon.

This was my first summer in the United States and I got a summer job through City Links. I worked as a junior staff member for an academic program called Summer Discovery. I worked helping teachers in the classroom with the students. It was a great experience and I have learned how teachers take care of students. I am feeling grateful that I was a part of Summer Discovery, and I enjoyed working with the teachers.

Also during the summer City Links arranged a few field trips I got chance to visit Trip Advisor, Novartis, Education First and Georges Island. I also got chance to participate in a MIT Hackathon.

“City Links” is now “Enroot”. This program only has changed their name. The goal is the same. This program has many different options for immigrant high schools students. As an immigrant student I think I made the right decision to join this program.

 

Meet our new AmeriCorps!

Highland Street americorps ambassador or mentoring: Claire Takhar

“I am excited to get to know the students and volunteers—the people that make our program work! Each volunteer that I’ve spoken to has had fascinating perspectives and experiences. I look forward to learning more about the nonprofit world and the impactful work that is being done for the community. ”

In August, Claire Takhar joined Enroot as the Highland Street AmeriCorps Ambassador of Mentoring.

Claire's role:  Claire will build Enroot's capacity to serve students by helping to recruit and support volunteer mentors. She will work most closely with students in the Mentorship Cohort. 

Previously:  Claire spent two years as an EFL Teacher in the Republic of Georgia, Vietnam, and Korea. Claire also did a year of AmeriCorps service with City Year Detroit. 

When asked, "What's the best flavor of ice cream?" Claire responded: 

The best flavor of ice cream, undoubtedly, is Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked. Not content to merely offer ice cream, Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked does more. It combines the classic, unbeatable appeal of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with velvety fudge brownie bits -- throwing in thick gobs of cookie dough because it's just crazy enough to work. It's three desserts in one: ice cream, brownies, and cookie dough. No other ice cream flavor works harder to deliver the most out of every heavenly bite.

 

americorps Massachusetts Promise Fellow: Georgia Lederman

“I am excited to get to know our amazing students, and to develop my understanding of effective ELL programs. I am also excited to learn from Enroot’s exceptional staff and volunteers about their experiences with and insights into education systems, nonprofits, cross-cultural communication and positive youth development!”

Georgia Lederman joined the Enroot team in August as a Massachusetts Promise Fellow. 

Georgia's Role:  Georgia recruits, supports and trains volunteers, and assists in curriculum development and implementation. She will work most closely with students in the Leadership Cohort. 

Previously: Georgia spent the summer interning at the International Rescue Committee in New York, where she worked closely with refugee youth at the Refugee Summer Youth Academy.

When asked, "What's the best flavor of ice cream?", Georgia responded:

To be perfectly honest, I am more of a cookie, pie or pastry type of person. If I had to choose, I would say Heath Bar Crunch or anything with rainbow sprinkles. 

Expansion Update

A Note from the Executive Director: 

We're heading to Somerville!

Dear Friends:

It's another exciting day at Enroot- I'm thrilled to announce that we are expanding to Somerville High School!

You may have heard us talk in the past few months about our expansion research or which community and school we were leaning towards, and now its official- we're going to Somerville!

Thanks to dedicated investments by the City of Somerville, Somerville Public Schools Department, and private funders, significant enthusiasm from local organizations, and a growing partnership with the high school, we're excited to roll-out a pilot program at Somerville High School this fall. 

Read on for the official press release, and as always, please be in touch with any questions!

Ben Clark
Executive Director
Enroot (formerly Cambridge Community Services)

 

Enroot partners with Somerville to expand program to Somerville High School

Somerville, MA – A new partnership with Somerville High School starting in the fall of 2016 will offer a group of English Language Learner (ELL) students a chance to build leadership skills and gain critical life skills through participation in a program designed to “empower immigrant youth to achieve academic, career and personal success through out-of-school experiences.”

“Over the last 24 years, we have developed a program that meaningfully impacts students arriving from all over the world. Up until now, the program has only been available to Cambridge students,” commented Jonathan Steiman, Chair of Enroot’s Board of Directors. “Today marks our expansion. We are excited and honored to partner with Somerville Public Schools and the Somerville community. Together, we'll be able to meet the needs of this important student population.”

An estimated 20-30 SHS students will comprise the first cohort of Somerville High students to participate in the multi-year program, which offers students 1-to-1 mentoring and academic tutoring, internship opportunities, and weekly leadership seminars. With much of the programming offered during out-of-school-time hours, Enroot extends the learning day by as much as 50%, helping students strengthen their academic skills, gain critical leadership skills, and receive individual support and case management.
 
“Enroot has earned an impressive record of success working with students in Cambridge using a relational model of support that places the student and his/her unique needs front and center,” said Superintendent of Schools Mary Skipper. “Our students will benefit greatly from this new partnership and from Enroot’s demonstrated commitment to helping students gain the leadership skills that will help them achieve and succeed throughout their lives. We look forward to launching this partnership at Somerville High, and expanding on the great work that Enroot is already doing in Cambridge.”
 
"Our organization could not be more thrilled to partner with a visionary educator like Superintendent Skipper and the truly dedicated teachers and administrators of Somerville Public Schools,” stated Ben Clark, Executive Director of Enroot. “We feel privileged to join such an inspired and talented team of educators to extend the learning day for immigrant students at Somerville High and look forward to years of close collaboration."
 
The program will formally kick off in September of 2016. Enroot and a team of SHS and Somerville Public Schools staff members have been setting up program elements this summer, including establishing a diverse base of internship partnerships and recruiting adult volunteers. Student recruitment for the program will take place in September.  Eligible students go through a formal application process that includes a written essay, in-person interview, and two references.
 
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Enroot starting in the fall, and to be able to offer students who have had to face more challenges than most, with the individualized support that can help them achieve success throughout their lifetimes,” added Somerville High School Headmaster, John Oteri. “Every student has the right to dream big and the potential to fulfill their dreams given the opportunity and the tools. Enroot provides that opportunity. We’re thankful and excited that they have decided to expand to Somerville, and very much look forward to working with them.”

Enroot and the Somerville Public Schools would like to thank the visionary Cummings Foundation for their multi-year support of Enroot’s expansion to Somerville High School through the $100K for 100 grant program. Enroot is one of 100 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s $100K for 100 program.

Learn more about Cummings Foundation at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

A Brand New Day

Thoughts from Executive Director Ben Clark

Dear friends, partners, volunteers, community members, and supporters:

Today is an exciting day. I'm thrilled to announce that Cambridge Community Services (CCS) and City Links are re-branding, and will now be known as Enroot. 

Our new name and brand is more reflective of our current work and aspirations moving forward. The word enroot [v. to establish, to attach or place securely, to fix by the root] speaks to both the unique student population we serve and the impact we strive for each day as we support their growth during their first few years in this country.

So what will change? Our name, website, and email addresses will change. So will our logo and colors. You'll see a new newsletter starting in September. But the mission and program you’ve known and loved for many years as City Links, the amazing students we serve, and our deep commitment to their success will all remain the same. We also still need mentors and tutors to empower our students, so spread the word!

I’d like to once more express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all of you for supporting our work and students over the years. I am so excited to move into this next chapter with you by our side. 

Ben Clark
Executive Director
Enroot (formerly Cambridge Community Services)

See our press release for more information and details on the process and new brand.

Press Release: For Immediate Release
August 10, 2016

A Brand New Day: CCS unveils a new brand strategy to further community impact

Cambridge, MA- Cambridge Community Services (CCS) is excited to announce that it has changed its name to “Enroot.” After 78 years of strengthening the Cambridge community, the time has come to change our name to better reflect our vision for an inclusive and thriving community and mission of empowering immigrant youth to achieve success.
 
CCS was established in 1938 as the Cambridge Community Federation, a philanthropic federation with a mandate to raise charitable funds, to assess needs in the community, and to distribute funds accordingly amongst federation members. In 1951, the organization rebranded as Cambridge Community Services (CCS), a community development agency which assessed community needs and designed direct service programs in response.
 
Since pivoting to direct service, CCS has played a central role in providing and coordinating youth employment, education and career development services across Cambridge. Its programs have impacted many thousands of Cambridge residents. In 1992, CCS founded the City Links program, an out-of-school-time program offering mentoring, tutoring, leadership development, and workforce readiness opportunities to low-income immigrant students at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS).
 
Recognizing the success of City Links, CCS’ Board of Directors engaged in a long-term strategic planning process and emerged with an inspiring new vision for the future: expansion and sustainable growth of a program whose alumni graduate college at twice the rate of their peers, with substantially increased self- confidence, advocacy, and leadership skills.
 
This fall we will continue ambitiously growing the program at CRLS, serving more students than ever before. We will also pilot an expansion site at nearby Somerville High School in Somerville, MA. After spending a year refining our vision, mission and values, we are ready to update our name to better reflect our impact and the future of our work. 
 
Executive Director Ben Clark notes, “Throughout the long process of identifying the organization’s new name, it remained essential that the name speak both to the unique student population we serve and the impact we strive for each day. The word enroot [v. to establish, to attach or place securely, to fix by the root] speaks to both.”
 
Echoing that sentiment, Board Chair Jonathan Steiman says, “Setting firm roots in their new land is perhaps the single most important pursuit for recently arrived immigrant students, since a strong foundation will be essential in realizing the dreams that brought them here.”
 
We are thrilled to have been part of the journey for hundreds of CRLS alumni, and are excited to enter this next chapter serving even more CRLS students as Enroot. Our deepest appreciation and gratitude to those who have supported us in the past; we are so excited to move into this next chapter with you by our side. 
 
Enroot is an organization with a mission to empower immigrant youth to achieve academic, career, and personal success through inspiring out-of-school experiences. Enroot students are given a lens through which to envision their future in new roles they otherwise might not have imagined. Our team of adult mentors, tutors, instructors, and case managers empower students through a comprehensive after-school and summer program that enables each student not only to succeed, but to achieve their own American Dream.
 
Contact:
Ben Clark, Executive Director
bclark@enrooteducation.org
617-876-5214
www.enrooteducation.org

Our visit to TripAdvisor

On a hot Wednesday during the summer, our Enroot group took a trip to Trip Advisor’s headquarters in Needham, MA. During our visit, we gained the favorable opportunity to learn about the major functions of this company and discuss with the employees.

“The field trip was great because they introduced us to different people who have different work to do and also learned that you don’t need to learn something to end up working in the area. The workplace is also really nice because of their gym and the cafeteria is healthy. I might be interested into interning there next summer after college.” -Widvine, Class of 2016   
“What I thought was really interesting was the department that designed the web. It is a really cool job.” -Alessandra, Class of 2017

TripAdvisor is an American company that arranges traveling services around the world. It helps travelers find the best places due to their reviews of travel-related contents. It was created 16 years ago by Stephen Kaufer, the CEO. He came up with the idea while he was on vacation and noticed that people would go to restaurants, hotels, or travel to foreign countries without knowing what the place looked like. So he decided to create an app where people could share their experiences in an area with other individuals. From there, the app developed into a bigger service and people can now book their trips throughout the website.

Overall, the company holds 3000 employees including a very large engineering team. They have 300 engineers to help build the site and have 38 locations  around the world in 45 countries, meaning their app is translated in 28 different languages. The app has gained a prominent popularity over the last decade and now has over 300 million reviews. These reviews consist of photos or comments users post on the website to share their adventure. TripAdvisor also provides internships for interested students and have a partnership with Girls Who Code.

“I would love to have an internship at their company next year.” -Weijing, Class of 2016

When we arrived there, we were lucky to grab lunch in their wonderful cafeteria. Everything was well organized and the food was delicious. I personally had a bowl of salad and added a chocolate chip cookie ice cream to complete my meal. Later on, we met with some of the employees in a conference room and were able to discuss with them and ask questions about their life [experience] at TripAdvisor. We were introduced to the four branches helping the company be successful. The Product Managing branch builds technology products in a way that works in favor of everyone. When building a product, they think about it from different perspectives because people have different needs, likes, and preferences. They discuss their ideas with the engineers which will have to find ways to develop the ideas into products. The Sales department builds relationships with other companies and verify their payments. They want to keep a great relationship with these companies in order to use them as referral when an individual wants to travel somewhere. These relationships go as far as Central America to Europe. The Advertising Operations branch tracks how many people visited their websites on a daily basis. They check how many people clicked on a photo, comment, or searched for a specific topic. Lastly, there is the Marketing department which makes sure other companies do not surpass them in terms of popularity. There is a huge competition in the traveling area where other apps and websites are also trying to upstand their reputation, thereby the Marketing team need to make sure that the majority of the population use the TripAdvisor website as much as possible.

“The TripAdvisor trip was nice because the food was amazing and it surprised me that they did not have Fashion Designing, which is what I would like to major in the future. So it would be a great opportunity to be able to introduce it to their company.” -Jarna, Class of 2018

To complete our trip, we received a tour of the building to have an idea of what it feels like to work at TripAdvisor. We visited their gym, their recreation room, and their magnificent fireplace. The company takes great care of their employees and reflects a welcoming environment. Going to TripAdvisor was an eye-opening when it comes to choosing a career path considering most of the workers majored in various subjects before working at this company. It says a lot to change your career to a whole different one. You never know what life has reserved for your future.  

Lastly, we want to thank the TripAdvisor team for giving us a wonderful tour of their building and giving us the time to converse with their staff, along with the City Links program for organizing this inspiring trip.   

- Saby, Class of 2016

Our Continuing Evolution

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we’re evolving. Our fourth core value of “constant improvement” demands it and we are excited to continue to grow and change as the community and our students do along with us.

The city of Cambridge has been growing and changing, and CCS and City Links* have grown and changed along with it. More than Cambridge, the Greater Boston area has evolved, so we’re excited to be planning our first site outside of Cambridge to ensure City Links continues to serve low-income immigrant youth who need it most.

What does this mean for Cambridge Community Services and City Links? First- we’ll be expanding outside of Cambridge for the first time next year.Second- with a narrower program focus and expanded geographic footprint, we realize the time has come to rebrand the organization.

We’ve spent the last year refining our mission and program model (don’t worry- the City Links you know is still here!), now it’s time to refine our name. Over the next few months, we’ll be working with Soldier, a generous marketing firm in Harvard Square, to think about the future of our work.

Stay tuned!
– Ben Clark, Executive Director

*You'll see us reference CCS and City Links throughout older blog posts. We have chosen not to update all posts, as a nod to our history, and specifically not to update our students' voices from past year. Please enjoy getting to know them on their journey through City Links and Enroot.

What Guides Us: Vision, Mission, Values

For the past year, CCS has been working to refine our broad mission and dedicate all efforts equalizing opportunity for low-income immigrant youth. The VISION represents the world we hope to create. The MISSION will be the vehicle to get us there. The CORE VALUES will guide our work, every idea, every plan, every decision. Check them out below, and let us know what you think- we’re so excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to hear from you!

Vision:

All immigrant youth will have the opportunity succeed in the U.S.

Mission:

To empower immigrant youth to achieve academic, career, and personal success through inspiring out-of-school experiences.

Core Values:

  • Students First: We place the dreams and needs of students at the forefront of every action, every decision.
  • Sense of Possibility:  We believe that every immigrant student has unique strengths, the ability to overcome obstacles, and the potential to achieve lifelong success.
  • Authentic Relationships: We understand that learning and growth require authentic relationships, and work hard to develop a deep connection with every student, volunteer, and partner.
  • Constant Improvement: We operate with humility and continuously evaluate the impact of our work to ensure we are doing our best for our students.

Letter from the Executive Director

Growth. Evolution. Expansion.

The City Links you know and love has grown. Read on to learn more about how the program has evolved over the past 24 years and what lies ahead during our most impact chapter yet!

Growth:

City Links has been growing! From 20 students in 2012, to 30 in 2013, to 60 students last year, to 80 students this year! This growth is intended to ensure that all English Language Learner high school students in Cambridge have the opportunities they need to succeed.

Evolution:

Drawing on two decades of program success, CCS determined that we could maximize student impact by engaging students earlier in their high school journey and tailoring the learning better to meet their needs as they grow. In our new model, new students enroll in the Mentorship Program before transitioning in their second year into the Leadership Program with its full wrap-around support.

The City Links Mentorship Program is designed to serve students with the lowest level of English-language proficiency, all newly arrived in the community. Students are matched 1-1 with a volunteer mentor, provided individualized case management, and attend monthly workshops. Mentors focus on community engagement, college access, and career exploration, while reinforcing English-language skills. Personal, professional, and academic guidance from a supportive, caring adult keeps students in school and on track for success.

Mentorship Program students then graduate into the rigorous City Links Leadership Program, which involves nearly 15 hours of programming each week and extends their learning day by 50%! Program components include: paid internships, 1-1 academic support, 1-1 mentoring, community service projects, and a weekly seminar on workforce readiness, leadership development, and life skills. Seniors in the Leadership Program also attend workshops with their mentors, designed to ensure a successful transition from high school to college.

Additionally, a select group of City Links seniors will be chosen for paid internships in the program as “Peer Leaders,” providing mentorship, guidance, and support to younger students in the Mentorship and Leadership Programs throughout the school year.

Expansion:

CCS has a proud 77 year history as a Cambridge community development organization. During that time, Cambridge has changed dramatically, from an economy mainly focused on manufacturing to the diverse, capable, resource-rich city it is today. Throughout this change CCS remained a community-development organization with a broad mission and diverse set of interests.

CCS’ Board of Directors recently completed a long-term strategic planning process and emerged with an inspiring new vision for the future and a more focused mission. Recognizing the historical success of City Links, the organization’s mandate is expansion: sustainable growth of a program whose alumni graduate college at double the rate of their peers, with substantially increased self-confidence, advocacy, and leadership skills. While the population of low-income and new-immigrant families in Cambridge is not growing at the pace of previous decades due to rising property values and a declining stock of affordable housing, many neighboring communities have seen their immigrant populations grow substantially. In response, CCS will expand beyond Cambridge, focusing on communities with significant low-income immigrant populations, maintaining CCS’ commitment to equalizing access to opportunity for this population.

Throughout the coming fiscal year, with support from a team of pro-bono Deloitte consultants through Inspire, CCS will undertake a landscape analysis of 20-25 surrounding communities, examining community demographics, school dynamics, student performance, current nonprofit partners, and availability of funding. From that process, 3-5 communities will be selected for further relationship building. CCS will aim to secure a commitment from the municipality and school department of its first expansion site, as well as support from private donors and funders to ensure sustainable success. A pilot group of 15-20 students will be recruited for the first City Links expansion site in FY17, with the goal of growing to 40 students in FY18. An additional expansion site of 15-20 students will be prepared during FY18 for programming in FY19.

We look forward to sharing more updates about this exciting process as we move forward and begin conversations with a select group of schools. If you have any questions, or want to be involved, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you!