The Possible Project Offers College Credits for High School Students

The Possible Project recently entered into two new agreements that will allow students who complete work in the program to earn college credits.

The agreements are with the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology and Cambridge College. Students who complete The Possible Project curriculum and enroll at either of those institutions will receive credit aligned with campus coursework.

“We are thrilled to enter these agreements with such important higher education partners,” said Becky Levin, a founder and Executive Director of The Possible Project. “Our goal has always been to boost students’ confidence and help them see a very bright future. These agreements set students on a clearer path to post-secondary success.”

The Possible Project works with students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and the social-emotional skills necessary to work collaboratively, solve problems, and succeed in a range of professions. Students progress through a dynamic curriculum, including design thinking, tech skill development, hands-on work experience, and individualized career planning in order to adopt the personal and professional qualities necessary for success in today’s economy.

The Possible Project approached both Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) and Cambridge College to initiate the rigorous process of review to be considered for college credits. This included a comprehensive review of program curriculum by faculty and administrators at both institutions, including a thorough review of the scope and sequencing of lessons, measures of competency, and alignment with industry standards.

“This is a huge confidence boost for our students, showing them that they can complete college-level work while still in high school,” said Jake Murray, a founding Board member and current Chief Strategy Officer at The Possible Project, who led the efforts to earn accreditation. “We now can maximize the return on investment of students’ time and work with The Possible Project.  Not only do they learn the knowledge and skills to launch their own businesses and excel in the workplace, they also earn college credits that can be applied to their postsecondary education.”

At the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, students who complete two levels of The Possible Project’s entrepreneurship program will be able to earn six credits to apply to BFIT’s technology business and management program.

“We are very excited about our new partnership with the Possible Project,” said Marvin Loiseau, Dean of Recruitment at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. “We realize that the level of support they provide to their students mirrors what we do for ours. This partnership will allow for a powerful solution to help students from underserved communities to start their own businesses.”

At Cambridge College, students who complete three levels of The Possible Project’s multi-layered programming can earn 12 credits for studies in their business program.

“We are excited to extend the opportunity for students of The Possible Project to realize the dream of an affordable and accessible college education,” said Deborah Jackson, President of Cambridge College. “For almost 50 years Cambridge College has been a destination of choice for individuals who, for one reason or another, were challenged to achieve this goal when they were young adults.  The opportunity to complete high quality and affordable college degrees are now available to motivated high school students across Greater Boston and we are honored to partner with The Possible Project.”

The announcement of these new college credits comes just a few months after the news in 2019 that students who complete The Possible Project can earn credits toward their high school graduation at two partner schools, Cambridge Rindge and Latin and Madison Park Technical Vocational High School.

The Possible Project currently works with more than 250 students in Boston and Cambridge. Over the course of three years with the program, every student learns the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and starts a business, gains valuable job readiness skills with the organization’s two in-house businesses, and receives individualized support to plan a pathway for post-high school success.

Founded in Cambridge in 2009 to encourage students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and foundational skills that will lead to long-term success in life, education, and careers, The Possible Project first expanded to Boston in 2016. The Possible Project works with students from Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, MATCH High School, Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, Community Charter School of Cambridge, and Prospect Hill Academy.

About Cambridge College

Cambridge College is dedicated to providing academically excellent, time-efficient, and cost-effective higher education for a diverse population of adult learners for whom these opportunities may have been limited or denied.  Founded in 1971, Cambridge College is a private non-profit institution of higher education accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).  Recognized as a pioneer in providing quality affordable higher education to adult learners, Cambridge College offers flexible undergraduate and graduate degree programs across five locations nationwide in Boston, Springfield and Lawrence, MA, San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Inland Empire, CA.  Its highly diverse student population consists of 77% females and 23% males with 67% of this population pursuing a degree part-time during evenings and weekends.

About Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

Founded in 1908 in Boston, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology is one of New England’s oldest colleges of technology. Started with a bequest from Benjamin Franklin and a matching gift from Andrew Carnegie, the private non-profit college offers an affordable education for people seeking technical careers. BFIT is an affordable, urban college serving the Boston region and committed to student success and career readiness in technology fields. Through personalized support, hands-on learning, and industry-informed curricula, BFIT prepares graduates for work, life-long learning, and citizenship. For more information, please go to www.bfit.edu.