COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE SCHOOLS NEW FRESHMEN ON WHAT LIES AHEAD

BOSTON-- A new crop of students is gearing up to embark on their first college experience.  For some, it is a generational first for their families.  To aid them in their transition, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Brown Brothers Harriman, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and Success Boston partnered today to put on Countdown to College, a free seminar and resource fair for incoming freshmen and their families. Bottomline and ACCESS joined the event to offer skills and strategies for Boston students headed to college.

"Our commitment to the communities in which we work and live has lead us to support numerous education-based programs during out 194 year history," said Timothy J. Connelly, Partner, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. "We value and enjoy the opportunities to volunteer our time and talents with children and youth. We applaud all of the Boston Public School students who strive to become effective members of the community. We wish them well as they set off to college this fall."

"We're proud of these students who are headed off to college, and we know that no one can achieve that on their own - it takes strong families, caring mentors, and good teachers to help young people today to reach their full potential," said Michael K. Durkin, president of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.  "Helping to send off these students also takes strong community partners.  We are fortunate to have Brown Brothers Harriman, Mayor Menino and Success Boston as partners in this work."

Over 150 students and their families attended the event at Bunker Hill Community College, participating in workshops such as "The Budget Balancing Act," which offered advice to families about financial aid options, and "Passing with an A," which offered suggestions for academic support.

ACCESS provided laptops for students to revise their FAFSA Financial Aid forms if needed, Success Boston and Bottomline supplied handouts and tip sheets, TD Bank offered savings and checking accounts for students, and United Way served up volunteer opportunities.  Admission officers from local colleges were also available to present information to younger siblings.

"Events like this provide critical tools for families who need to navigate the challenges of getting through higher education, both inside and outside the classroom," said Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation, which has funded Success Boston in collaboration with the Mayor's Office and Boston Public Schools. The unprecedented partnership works with numerous area nonprofits and higher education institutions to support Boston Public Schools students' successful transition to college and persistence to graduation. "Higher education is essential for Boston students to succeed in the 21-century economy, and these resources empower students to get through college and into careers that can break the stubborn cycle of poverty."

About Brown Brothers Harriman

BBH is a privately held financial institution that has been a thought leader and solutions provider for nearly 200 years. The firm serves the most discriminating and sophisticated individuals and institutions in its five business lines: Corporate Banking, Investment Management, Investor Services, M&A Advisory and Wealth Management. BBH's culture of accountability fosters deep and lasting relationships built on commitment, adaptability and trust. The company is independent, selective and specialized by design.

About United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley

One of the region's largest nonprofits, United Way's work ensures that children enter school ready to learn, youth stay engaged in school so they graduate with options for the future, and parents attain financial stability. No other single organization has the scope, expertise, and influence to bring together hundreds of human services agencies, government, businesses, private foundations and dedicated volunteers around a common vision of creating maximum impact and achieving long-lasting results.

About Success Boston

On November 17, 2008, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced Success Boston, a college completion initiative aimed at doubling the college completion rate for the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Class of 2011 and beyond. An unprecedented collaboration between the City of Boston, the Boston Public Schools, the Boston Foundation, 6 area nonprofits and nearly 40 Massachusetts colleges and universities work together to ensure that BPS students are getting ready, getting in and getting through college. Annually, Success Boston's  transition partners; ACCESS, American Student Assistance, the Boston Private Industry Council, Bottom Line, Freedom House, and Hyde Square Task Force, provide one-on-one and group case management support to nearly 600 1st and 2nd year BPS alumni attending area two- and four-year public institutions and commuter campuses, strengthening their path to college success. As anchor funder for Success Boston, the Boston Foundation has committed $5 million over 5 years to advance the Mayor's college completion goal.