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One Bead
One Bead’s mission is to prove that one student can be a catalyst for change.
Our after-school programs give elementary and middle schoolers the opportunity to connect with local leaders and give back to their community. In doing so, our students develop self-advocacy skills essential to their success in high school and beyond.
Ann Marie participated in the One Bead Program as a 3rd grader. The year before she had 16 refocus calls home for behavioral issues. When Ann Marie first joined One Bead, she was quiet and reserved. After a few weeks, Ann Marie opened up about her experience with homelessness. In her final pitch presentation, Ann Marie advocated for students going through similar hardships. She spoke specifically about her passion for journaling and how much it benefitted her while living in a shelter.
Ann Marie's classmates were so inspired by her story that they came together to donate over 170 journals to youth in the Greater Boston Area. Ann Marie ended 3rd grade with 0 refocus calls and was recognized by her school for her growth and leadership.
Financials
Programs
Local Leader Spotlight Series
One Bead’s school partnership model operates like a funnel. During the fall, we focus on family engagement, connecting with parents/guardians in both 1:1 and group settings to explain how our programs work and why they are important.
Students of all ages are invited to participate in our Local Leader Spotlight (LLS) series. An LLS is a 30-minute virtual interview featuring a BIPOC leader in the community. The series inspires conversations about equity, leadership, and identity, while also giving students the opportunity to see themselves represented in positions of power.
The One Bead Program
Once the fall LLS series wraps up, older students have the option to enroll in the One Bead Program (OBP). During the program, students use their voices to advocate for change in the community. Advocating for others takes courage. When a child stands up for a cause they believe in, their confidence grows. And when their confidence grows, so does their ability to advocate for themselves.
One Bead students graduate from middle school with the self-advocacy skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
