Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young (EY) is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

College MAP is a team-mentoring program which matches a group of handpicked students, the College MAP scholars, with Ernst & Young mentors. EY has been proud to offer this program at Madison Park High School, in Roxbury, since 2009. Over two years, through the scholars’ junior and senior years, the group focuses on awareness, persistence, and financial readiness.

CMAP scholars receive a broad support network, not only from EY, but also from our nonprofit partner, College For Every Student (CFES). While in High School, mentor teams of EY volunteers conduct monthly meetings focused on learning about, applying to, and succeeding in college. Once the scholars enter college, support continues with monthly “College Knowledge” webinars, led by CFES, as well as some financial assistance, provided by EY.

Our goal is for every CMAP scholar to graduate from college with a Bachelor’s Degree. Every one of our scholars belongs to an underrepresented minority, and the vast majority of them will be the first in their family to go to college, establishing them as a role model for others in their family and their community.

We also hope to make a positive difference in the struggling community at Madison Park High School, demonstrating that a local business is concerned about and committed to one of Boston Public Schools’ most troubled campuses. In addition to the CMAP program, we conduct an annual 10th grade “College Knowledge” assembly in which we partner with Northeastern to offer an after-school financial literacy course.

In 2009 CMAP started with nine scholars and nine mentors. To date, 85 students have participated in the program, served by 40 EY mentors. 100% of CMAP scholars have graduated from high school (Madison Park’s overall rate is 63%) and 37 of our 39 graduates matriculated to college. We have provided over $73,000 in CMAP scholarships, with additional support of laptop computers, book stipends, meal plans and commuter passes. But the most powerful evidence of our impact comes from our scholars:

“[xxx] has been such an outstanding mentor to me that it is hard for me to put it into words…She has motivated me to go the extra mile, given me great advice, and an overall overwhelming amount of support.” –Current sophomore at Fitchburg State University

“In the tenth grade I was never thinking of college, and when I joined CMAP it all changed. CMAP does not just tell us we can go to college, but you guys make sure we get [there]… I never thought I would go to college until I [joined] this program – it changed my life.” –Current freshman at Roger Williams University