Crossroads visits MIT Center for Real Estate
On Saturday, March 12th, eleven 9th graders from Boston and Brockton visited MIT to explore their futures as part of a career exploration weekend run by the Crossroads C5 Leaders program. Hosted at the Center for Real Estate by Alum and Crossroads Trustee Steve Murphy ’87 (Campanelli), the teens met with a group of MIT undergrads from the National Society of Black Engineers, Ronald Heisser, Jamir Thompson and Janelle Wellons, to discuss how STEM curriculum can prepare students for diverse and successful careers.
The students were particularly interested in hearing about the diverse paths those in attendance took in pursuit of their academic and professional goals. “I learned that getting good grades is only a small part of being successful,” said Mariana Jozard of Brockton, “You also need to have passion and be committed to your future.”
After the group discussion, the teens had the opportunity to learn more about MIT campus living on a tour with the Admission office where they visited academic and athletic buildings as well as dining and residence halls. “Getting the tour of the campus was a big deal for me,” said Antonio Melberg of Brockton. “It was my first time on a college campus and now I am very interested in MIT.”
A major highlight of the day was the group’s visit to the MIT Museum where they were able to see the real world applications of pursuing a STEM degree. “The best part of the day for me was going to the museum because it was interactive and I’ve never seen a museum like that,” said Mariana. “I want to look more into the projects and work that students at MIT are doing after visiting.”
“The entire experience was amazing. Throughout our program, we spend a lot of time helping our young people expand their visions for their futures and draw connections to how what they are doing now will impact their futures,” said Crossroads Staff Iolando Spinola. “Some lightbulbs definitely went off during the meeting today with the current students and the museum showed them how STEM studies are cool and fun. They couldn’t stop talking about what they saw there.”
The career exploration weekend is an important element of the Crossroads C5 Leaders program, a five-year leadership program designed to help under-resourced teens define their leadership style while expanding their academic, career and civic horizons. In total 59 teens participated in the event attending similar sessions hosted by Wahlburgers, Silicon Valley Bank, New Gravity Music Studio, City Year, Charles David Salons and Emerson College.
About Crossroads: Crossroads is a youth empowerment organization that challenges under-resourced young people to realize their potential and build successful futures as thriving adults. We provide our students with summer and school year programs that support them to become economically independent citizens, socially responsible leaders and emotionally connected adults.
