A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

I — Bottom Line
500 Amory Street, Boston, MA 02130
617-524-8833 (v) 617-524-9559 (f)
http://www.bottomline.org
Greg Johnson, CEO
greg@bottomline.org
A Blueprint for Success
Bottom Line is an example of a successful data-driven program
that helps high school students apply for, get accepted
to, and graduate from college. It uses data to track everything
from student participation in program events to SAT scores,
where they get accepted to college, and course grades. Student
demographic data are relied upon to “hone in on the right
population for our services.” Furthermore, college-level data
are closely monitored by counselors working with students to
ensure timely interventions and provision of services to facilitate
student success. The program has evolved to focus beyond
college completion to career readiness, providing students
with internship opportunities to enhance their preparation
for careers after college.
Program Overview
Bottom Line is a privately funded non-profit organization
that helps disadvantaged youth get in to college and graduate
by providing them with one-on-one guidance and support.
The organization was founded with the belief that students
need a mentor and a guide during the college application process
and during college to succeed. Bottom Line serves lowincome
and first-generation college students from Boston and
Worcester, MA, and has recently opened a new site in New
York City.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
§ Program began operation in 1997
§ This is a Non-­‐profit Program
§ This is a community-­‐based program
§ This program operates during the:
☐ Academic Year
☐ Summer
þ Both
§ Services are provided during
☐ Regular school hours
þ After school hours
þ Weekends
§ Services students in: Boston,
Worcester, and NYC
§ Urbanicity: Urban area
§ Duration of Program: One academic
year (HS Seniors). Up to 6 years for
college students
§ Typical number of years students are
in the program: 5
§ Primary services are provided at:
Community center/agency and on
college campuses
§ Grade level when students enter the
program: 11 th or 12 th
§ Students served:
o 2008-­‐09 = 1400
o 2009-­‐10 = 1600
§ Parental Component: No
§ Program Funding Provided By:
Community Organization;
Business/Industry; Private
Foundation; Individual;
College/University; Fundraising
§ Targeted Population: Low income;
First generation to attend college;
High school students
History & Mission
Bottom Line began as a small operation supporting 25 high school seniors from Boston. In a time
when few urban students were pursuing higher education and 1-in-7 low-income students who began
attending college would finish, Bottom Line’s founder Dave Borgal helped all 25 students get
accepted to college with an 80 percent graduation rate. Since then, Bottom Line has maintained a
high level of success.
Educational Policy Institute 2 www.educationalpolicy.org