Since 2003, JFS has partnered with the Framingham Public Schools to address academic inequities and provide additional support to young students most in need.
In 2021, thanks to funding from the Community Foundation for MetroWest and MathWorks, the Equity In Education Action Project was launched which opened the door for Literations Boston to establish a presence in the Framingham Public Schools to address significant gaps in academic performance. Pairing young students with volunteer literary coaches, these mentors not only work with students to improve academic skills, but they are also trained to identify other needs that may be impacting a student’s ability to learn and thrive at school. For example, if a student is not getting enough to eat at home or is worried about becoming homeless, their ability to be an engaged learner at school is affected. Concerns such as these are then brought to the attention of the school’s Family Support team of interdisciplinary specialists who take the time to meet with the student’s parents and caretakers, talk through the issues, and create a plan that supports not only the needs of the student, but the whole family.
As a partner of Literations and the Framingham Public Schools, through the JFS/FPS Resource Room, JFS supports these teams by providing clothing, footwear and school supplies as well as case management services to these families in need.
During this month’s Community Leadership Reception hosted by the Community Foundation for MetroWest, MathWorks received the Foundation’s Community Leadership Award for their commitment to and support of this important work. The following video profiles the work of the Project and its partners:
Congratulations to award recipient MathWorks and thank you to the Community Foundation for MetroWest, MathWorks, the Framingham Public Schools and Literations Boston for partnering with JFS to accelerate academic equity in our community!