Our History

For over forty years, Boston Partners in Education has impacted the lives of Boston's students.

Founded in 1966, Boston Partners in Education builds sustainable partnerships among students, volunteers, schools, and local organizations, all with a single goal:

To give the children who are struggling in school the tools necessary to become better learners.

Boston Partners in Education was started as School Volunteers for Boston (SVB) in 1966 in an effort to improve the American educational system. Spurred on by a grant from the Ford Foundation, the Public Education Association proposed a National School Volunteer Program in twenty cities around the US, including in Boston. When SVB began its operations on March 14, 1966 it placed 28 volunteers in six Boston schools.
 

"One-to-one and small-group tutoring has long been the backbone of the School Volunteers for Boston program. Working under the direction of a teacher, the tutor can provide the individualized instruction that is essential for some children to learn basic skills or to progress in advanced concepts. But the tutor, who can concentrate on one child at a time, assists not only with skill development but with the improvement of self image. The tutor almost invariably becomes a special friend who develops tutoring sessions around the child's interest, patiently encourages and shares in the joy of each achievement."

--From a 1976-1977 evaluative survey of SVB

Today, our school volunteer organization continues to help struggling students in grades K-12 by recruiting, training, placing, and supporting volunteers to work with students one-on-one or in small groups, primarily during the school day.

Through comprehensive tutoring and mentoring training of volunteers, Boston Partners in Education strengthens the ability of our academic mentors to make a positive, significant impact on Boston Public School students and teachers. Boston Partners in Education volunteers help school children in Boston make strides in their academic achievements and self-esteem, and they work to enhance students’ quality of life, both in and out of school.
 

“Boston Partners in Education remains one of Boston Public Schools’ most valuable assets. Our teachers and students benefit greatly from the countless volunteers that Boston Partners recruits, trains, and supports. In schools and classrooms throughout the city, these volunteers are making a real difference in the lives of our students – helping them reach their academic goals and their full potential as the young men and women of tomorrow.”

-- Michael Contompasis, Former Superintendent, Boston Public Schools