國泰銀行基金捐款 支持青年學習服務

The Cathay Bank Foundation Grants BCNC $10,000 in support of Youth Center

國泰銀行基金捐款   支持青年學習服務

From Left Dong Mai 麥東玲, Cathay Bank AVP and Branch Manager; Giles Li 李隆華, BCNC Executive Director; and

Grant Pattison 白勝德, Cathay Bank First Vice President & Manager, Commercial Lending.

Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) has received a grant of $10,000 from the Cathay Bank Foundation in support of its youth programs. The Youth Center provides youth ages 13-18 year-round youth development, college access, and leadership programs where youth develop 21st century skills needed to thrive in college and the workforce.

麻州府將與哈佛商學院、臺拉維夫大學合辦網路安全執行長會議

Commonwealth To Partner With The Harvard Business School And Tel Aviv University To Host CEO Cybersecurity Forum

Event will co-anchor the Commonwealth’s World Cyber Summit, Convening Global Cybersecurity Businesses & Thought Leaders for Inaugural Two-Day Gathering

BOSTON—Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in partnership with Harvard Business School (HBS) and Professor Isaac Ben Israel of Tel Aviv University's Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Center, will host the first annual “CEO Cybersecurity Forum” at its campus in Allston, Massachusetts, on September 14, 2017.

The conference is part of a series of Massachusetts-based events over two days jointly organized as the “World Cyber Summit,” focused on cybersecurity and its implications for business and society. World Cyber Summit events will collectively feature some of the world’s leading cybersecurity experts from business, government, and academia.

“Massachusetts is proud to lead the nation with our innovation economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As a hub for many of the nation’s leaders in technology, healthcare, business, and academia, we appreciate the important role that cybersecurity plays to ensure our economy operates securely. We look forward to joining Harvard Business School and Tel Aviv University this fall to build upon the growing relationship between the Commonwealth, their institutions, and the entire cybersecurity industry.”

Building off of the Commonwealth’s 2016 trade delegation to Israel, the HBS CEO Cybersecurity Forum will convene a select group of CEOs from large public and private companies, top innovators from the Massachusetts cybersecurity cluster, and faculty experts from a range of leading institutions. Discussions will center on the current state of cyber threats, best practices in cybersecurity, and the role of corporate leaders in addressing this area of deep strategic importance. With discussions facilitated by faculty from Harvard Business School and Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the group will explore the landscape of cybersecurity entrepreneurship, the real-world implications of security breaches targeting companies and governments, and ways in which Massachusetts can strengthen its leadership position.

“Now more than ever before, the future of every global firm hinges in meaningful ways on its approach to cybersecurity” said Nitin Nohria, Dean of Harvard Business School. “As with most significant challenges the path forward begins by bringing thoughtful people together from across disciplines and we are pleased to work with Governor Baker and our colleagues at Tel Aviv University to convene such a discussion.”

The curriculum for the Harvard session is being designed by Professor Marco Iansiti, faculty chair of Harvard Business School’s Digital Initiative, whose mission is to bring together leading scholars and practitioners to study and shape the digital transformation of the economy. The format for the event includes a mix of lectures, panels, and open discussion. The sessions are designed to ensure that the insights and knowledge of this select group of business and thought leaders is fully leveraged. At the conclusion of the 8-hour event the group hopes to have the foundations of a leadership blueprint for corporate executives, as well as a range of ideas for strengthening the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s leading position in this rapidly evolving technology sector.

“Israel proved that it can be transformed from a start-up nation to a cyber nation by creating a cyber ecosystem in a very short time,” said Professor Isaac Ben Israel of Tel Aviv University's Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Center. “We will be glad to share our experience with our American colleagues.”

The HBS event will be preceded on September 13^th by the “Massachusetts Cybersecurity Forum,” a first-ever gathering of Massachusetts’s world-class cyber security companies, thought leaders, research & development centers, universities, and talent.  Hosted by Governor Baker and industry leaders, and organized by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the Mass Cyber Forum is intended to strengthen connections and engagement among the Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem, and to build partnerships with cybersecurity businesses and thought leaders worldwide. The Mass Cyber Forum will include keynote remarks from Governor Baker, “cyber treks” to local cybersecurity and information security organizations, including IBM’s X-Force Command Center & Cyber Range, Google, Draper Labs, and other unique research facilities that set Massachusetts apart, a blue-ribbon panel discussion and networking.

  

Massachusetts has continued to grow its strong base of cybersecurity companies and world-class research institutions, becoming the region with the 2^nd highest number of firms on Cybersecurity Ventures’ annual list of the top 500 global companies. In addition, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made a $5 million dollar R&D investment to establish the UMass Amherst Data Science/Cybersecurity Research and Education Collaborative, a public-private partnership supported by a $15 million from the MassMutual Foundation that will help spur talent development. This builds on the 30 degree programs in cybersecurity at Massachusetts higher education institutions, as well as 13 leading University/ Non Profit research centers and 4 NSA Centers of Academic Excellence.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR FAY CHANDLER EMERGING ART EXHIBITION AND AWARD

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR FAY CHANDLER EMERGING ART EXHIBITION AND AWARD

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 18, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture today announced a call for submissions for the third annual Fay Chandler EMERGING Art Exhibition. Hosted by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, the Fay Chandler EMERGING Art Exhibition will feature original and contemporary works of art created by Boston artists. The art will be displayed at Boston City Hall in the Scollay Square Gallery during the month of September. Artists that live, work or create in the City of Boston are encouraged to submit their work for consideration.   "The Fay Chandler EMERGING Art Exhibition is one way we can showcase the work of artists who live and work in the city," said Mayor Walsh. "Boston has a deep community of artists and City Hall has become a venue to showcase their work to the public. This is a great opportunity for local artists to elevate their work, and I look forward to seeing the exhibition in September."   Fay Chandler was a Boston philanthropist and advocate for the arts. As an artist who started her career later in life, she serves as the inspiration for this exhibition and to artists of all ages. All submissions will be judged by a jury of Boston art professionals and peers. A total of $5,000 in prizes will be awarded in three categories including Best in Show, New Artist and Over 50 Artist. The prizes will be awarded at the Fay Chandler Emerging Artist Reception, scheduled for September 12, 2017 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Boston City Hall. The deadline for submissions is August 10, 2017. To be eligible, artists must live, work or create in Boston. All work must have been created within the last three years. Artists must be at least 18 years old and cannot have gallery representation.   For more information or to submit art for consideration, visit here.

麻州長幕僚長換人 Kristen Lepore上任

Governor Charlie Baker Announces Kristen Lepore As New Chief of Staff, Appoints Michael Heffernan as A&F Secretary

BOSTON - Today at a press conference from the Massachusetts State House, Governor Charlie Baker announced that Chief of Staff Steven Kadish will be leaving the Administration and will be succeeded by Secretary of Administration and Finance Kristen Lepore. Governor Baker also announced the appointment of Michael J. Heffernan, the current Commissioner of the Department of Revenue, to be the next Secretary of Administration and Finance. 

Kadish, 60, joined the Baker-Polito Administration during the 2015 transition and served as Chief of Staff  for two and a half years.  During his time at the helm, Kadish has been recognized for his strong leadership skills and deep knowledge of state government that have resulted in notable progress for some of the administration’s biggest initiatives, such as reforming  the MBTA and establishing cultural reforms and transformations at the Department of Children and Families.

"Our administration and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have benefited tremendously from having Steve Kadish serve our administration over the past two and a half years and he will be sorely missed," said Governor Baker.  "Steve is a natural leader and known problem-solver who will stop at nothing to do the right thing.  His warmth, his collaborative spirit, his sense of humor, and especially his determined focus on the people we serve each and every day, have made the Commonwealth a better place for everyone and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.

"What a true honor and a deep privilege it has been to serve this Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Commonwealth in this special capacity,” said Kadish.  “I am continually humbled and grateful to work with Governor Baker who takes this responsibility so seriously with an indefatigable work ethic, intelligence and balance in service to our communities and to especially those who have less. I am confident that Secretary Lepore’s experience, wisdom and balance will support this administration in their service to the Commonwealth.”

Secretary Kristen Lepore joined the administration in 2015 and led the administration through the development of three  budgets  to bring fiscal responsibility to the Commonwealth while securing investments in public education, and infrastructure while delivering tax breaks to working families. Lepore and her team also worked collaboratively with legislators to close an inherited one billion dollar structural deficit, despite stagnant state tax revenue growth over the same period of time.

"As Secretary Lepore takes the reins, I am confident she will continue to be a driving force behind this administration’s most important successes.  Her  knowledge of every aspect of state government and thoughtfulness made her a great Secretary, and will make her a highly effective Chief of Staff," continued Governor Baker.  "With her transition, I am pleased to appoint Commissioner Michael J. Heffernan as the new Secretary of Administration and Finance to continue the fiscally responsible practices in place now, while pursuing the investments  necessary to make every community a great place to live and work.”

 "Steve Kadish is a devoted public servant and has done an incredible job serving the governor's office and supporting our talented cabinet in our efforts to make Massachusetts the best place to live and work," said Lt. Governor Polito.  "He has left his mark on some of our biggest initiatives to make state government work better for our residents, and his kindness and passion will be missed by all.  We are thrilled to welcome Secretary Lepore into this role, and are confident she will hit the ground running to continue collaborating and working hard to support our team and the interests of the Commonwealth."

“Serving the people of Massachusetts is an honor and doing it alongside the Governor and Lieutenant Governor is tremendously rewarding. It was a dream come true to lead the Executive Office for Administration and Finance as Secretary, but I am grateful for the chance to once again move ‘down the hall’ to serve in my new role,”said Lepore. “I have learned a lot from working with Steve and will miss his daily presence but I will always value his friendship and professional advice. I am so incredibly honored to be following in his footsteps.”

“It has been an honor to work as the administration’s Commissioner for the Department of Revenue over the last fifteen months, and I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to continue working with the first-class team Secretary Lepore assembled in the Executive Office for Administration and Finance,” said Heffernan. “I am pleased to be succeeded at the Department of Revenue by Chris Harding, who is an exceptional manager with a firm grasp of what it will take to continue leading the Department’s talented staff.”

Chris Harding, the current Chief of Staff at the Department of Revenue, will become the Department’s Commissioner. All leadership changes will be effective August 14^th.

About Secretary Kristen Lepore:

Kristen Lepore was sworn in as Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) under Governor Charlie Baker in January 2015.  In her role, Secretary Lepore is in charge of formulating the governor’s budget plan, providing guidance on the economy, and implementing state government’s operating and capital budgets.  She also manages the state's administrative agencies, including revenue collection, information technology, human resources, procurement, and state facilities. 

During her A&F tenure, Secretary Lepore has focused on bringing the state’s operating budget into structural balance by significantly reducing the use of one-time revenue, while building the state’s reserves, holding the line on new taxes and fees, and investing in critical priorities including local aid, education, substance misuse, workforce development and housing, and transportation. She has also reformed the Commonwealth’s capital investment plan to ensure a focus on maintaining and modernizing assets while targeting new investments, and she led the administration’s review of all Executive Branch regulations.

Prior to joining A&F, Secretary Lepore was Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM).  As Vice President, she was responsible for AIM’s health care agenda and advocated for policies to lower the cost of health care in Massachusetts.  She also worked on education and workforce development issues on behalf of the association. 

Immediately prior to joining AIM, she served as Policy Director on Charlie Baker’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign.  In addition, she was appointed by President Bush to serve as the New England regional representative for the U.S. Department of Education where she advocated the President’s education agenda.  Prior to her federal appointment, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Paul Cellucci; Director of Fiscal Policy for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and Assistant Executive Director of the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Secretary Lepore holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Suffolk University and a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk’s Sawyer School of Management.

About Commissioner Michael Heffernan:

Michael J. Heffernan serves as the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Commissioner Heffernan is responsible for administrating the tax, child support, and municipal finance laws of the Bay State.

Heffernan spent nearly two decades at Citigroup and its predecessor firm, Salomon Brothers as a managing director in its markets and banking division. He co-founded the tech startup Mobiquity in 2011, and previously worked with NatWest Markets and EF Hutton & Co.

Heffernan was candidate for Massachusetts state treasurer in 2014. He then served on Governor Charlie Baker’s transition team before being appointed to the Boards of MassPRIM and the MBTA Retirement fund in early 2015.

Heffernan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Georgetown University, an MBA in finance from New York University, and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School.

About Chris Harding:

Formerly Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development for Mobiquity, Inc, a Massachusetts based professional services firm focused on providing Enterprise Digital Consulting services to Fortune 1000 organizations, Mr. Harding can be characterized as a serial entrepreneur having either founded or been a key leader in a series of early and growth stage technology based firms.

In addition to formerly serving as President and CEO of Concordant, Inc. (North Chelmsford, MA – acquired by Arcadia in 2011) Mr. Harding has been a part of six other organizations in his 30 years in industry. The majority of his career has been spent in Massachusetts, including the past 18 years.

Mr. Harding’s responsibilities have consistently centered on driving his organization’s growth strategy highlighted through focused planning and execution. He is a proven leader with a long history of success having been a part of two IPO’s, raising venture capital on multiple occasions as well as other initiatives in direct support of his firm’s business objectives.

Mr. Harding is a graduate of Boston College and resides in Wellesley, MA with his wife of 24 years and their two children.

Mr. Harding serves on the Board of Laboure College in Milton, MA and formerly served on the Board of The Carney Hospital, Dorchester, MA for eight years.

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC FACULTY WELCOME BOSTON CONSERVATORY​ ​FACULTY INTO THEIR NEGOTIATING UNIT

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC FACULTY WELCOME BOSTON CONSERVATORY

​ ​

FACULTY INTO THEIR NEGOTIATING UNIT

​

BOSTON -​

The Berklee Faculty Union is pleased to announce that the 200-plus full-time and part-time

​ ​

faculty members of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee have joined the 600-plus members of the

​ ​

Berklee College of Music faculty as part of the Berklee Faculty Union.

Berklee College of Music administration agreed to voluntary recognition of the Boston

​ ​

Conservatory at Berklee faculty to become part of the Berklee Faculty Union.

​ ​

Thus, on June 13,

​ ​

an independent arbitrator confirmed that the Boston Conservatory Program faculty

​ ​

overwhelmingly chose the Berklee Faculty Union to represent them.

In a welcoming message to the Boston Conservatory faculty, Berklee Faculty Union President

​ ​

Jackson Schultz said, “Our charge this summer is now to bargain for the terms and conditions

​ ​

applicable to you, the newly recognized faculty... We will be bargaining for one-year contract

​ ​

provisions, the goal of which will be to strive for parity with the legacy Berklee faculty. Next

​ ​

year the entire contract, including any newly bargained-for provisions, will be up for

​ ​

negotiation.”

Faculty at both institutions are central to the student experience. Boston Conservatory alumna

​ ​

Laura Dreyfuss, known for her roles on the Fox series “Glee” and in the Tony-winning musical

​ ​

“Dear Evan Hansen,” says, “The Boston Conservatory faculty are irreplaceable—a perfectly

​ ​

placed group of artists and professionals. For decades, they have worked together to give

​ ​

students every tool they could possibly need to master the unique craft that is musical theater.”

“My experience at Berklee was indeed enhanced by the undivided attention and wealth of

​ ​

knowledge from my professors," observes Berklee alumnus Grammy certificate winner Jonathan

​ ​

Hoard, who has been featured in Downbeat Magazine. “In addition to providing brilliant insight

​ ​

and guidance, my teachers from Berklee are there whenever I have music industry questions.

​ ​

They are still interested in my growth and general well-being via Facebook, text, or email."

The Berklee Faculty Union has represented Berklee College of Music full-time and part-time

​ ​

faculty at its Boston campus since 1986. As a member of the Massachusetts American

​ ​

Federation of Teachers, AFT local 4412, the Union is led by an elected 15-member executive

​ ​

committee headed by Schultz, a Professor of Jazz Composition.

Baker-Polito Administration Highlights 90 Road and Bridge Projects Across 61 Northeast Massachusetts Communities

Baker-Polito Administration Highlights 90 Road and Bridge Projects Across 61 Northeast Massachusetts Communities

$250 million in North Shore regional highway investments highlight impact of over $2.8 billion spend on safe and reliable infrastructure statewide

Left to Right: Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Acting Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver at Canal Street Reconstruction Project

SALEM –Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today joined Acting Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver and MassDOT officials at a roadway reconstruction project in Salem to highlight over $250 million invested by the Baker-Polito Administration in Fiscal Year 2017 in 90 roadway and bridge projects benefiting 61 municipalities across Northeast Massachusetts.

The Baker-Polito Administration is visiting MassDOT Highway Districts to highlight the positive regional impacts of over $2.8 billion spent since 2015 on highway construction projects and bridges, pavement, intersection and sidewalk improvements, and bike lanes, while authorizing over $700 million in Chapter 90 local transportation funding for cities and towns.  An additional $30 million has been invested through Complete Streets and Municipal Small Bridge programming to support local transportation planning and community bridges not eligible for federal aid.

Statewide, those investments have paved approximately 2,000 lane miles, enough to cross Massachusetts and back at least 5 times; installed 160 miles of sidewalk, almost encircling the Quabbin Reservoir; and rehabilitated or replaced approximately 80 bridges. Projects include installing new safety equipment, optimizing traffic configuration, lane and intersection widening and promoting reduced congestion.

“Investing in our roads and bridges empowers people throughout our cities and towns to get to work and opportunities that move our Commonwealth forward,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“We are proud to have invested over $2.8 billion in our highway infrastructure since taking office, including these 90 projects throughout the northeast communities, to ensure residents and commuters have access to their destinations by car, public transit, walking and biking.”

“Our administration is pleased to continue upgrading our transportation infrastructure to allow people across Northeast Massachusetts and the Commonwealth to get to the places they need to be,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “By investing over $250 million in road and bridge projects in Northeast Massachusetts last year, we have continued to support our local communities and promote the jobs and opportunities that keep our economy strong.”

The event today was held at the project to reconstruct a section of Canal Street in Salem in order to ensure safe and reliable travel throughout this important corridor. This $11 million project will also upgrade pedestrian accommodations including sidewalks, crosswalks, crossing equipment, accessibility ramps, and will address accessibility issues for individuals seeking to access or exit local businesses. 

“We appreciate the efforts of our MassDOT crews and contractors as we work to upgrade our transportation systems and allow all users to get to places they need to go using their preferred mode of transportation,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.“The investments we are making in Northeast Massachusetts and throughout the Commonwealth are an example of our commitment to connecting people and communities in a way that considers the age, ability, and most appropriate method of transportation of all users and allows for continued economic growth and development.”

“We are proud to be investing in roads and bridges throughout Northeast Massachusetts and ensuring our infrastructure works for everyone whether they are driving, on foot, bicycling or using mass transit,” said Acting Highway Administrator Gulliver. “We thank our MassDOT work crews for their hard work in helping design, develop, and build better highways and bridges that allow people across Massachusetts to get to their homes, businesses, friends, families and all things that improve their quality of life”’

Notable ongoing projects in Northeast Massachusetts or District 4 area include:

• Amesbury: The project to replace the bridge on I-495 over the Amesbury Riverwalk Bikeway.
• Amesbury – Newburyport – Salisbury: The I-95 reconstruction and Whittier Bridge replacement project over the Merrimack River.
• Andover – Lawrence – North Andover: The resurfacing project (including 12 bridges) along I-495.
• Arlington: The project to provide bicycle lanes and connect the ends of the Minuteman Bikeway.
• Bedford: The Safe Routes to School project at John Glenn Middle School.
• Bedford – Billerica: The project to make improvements to the Middlesex Turnpike.
• Beverly: The roadway reconstruction project along Route 1A.
• Beverly: The resurfacing (including 3 bridges) project along Route 128.
• Billerica: The project to reconstruct a section of Allen Road.
• Boston – Somerville: The project to resurface sections of I-93.
• Cambridge – Somerville: The roadway reconstruction and installation of a new traffic signal system on Beacon Street.
• Chelmsford: The bridge superstructure replacement on Hunt Road over I-495.
• Chelsea – Saugus: The resurfacing and related work (including 9 bridges) along Route 1.
• Concord: The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (Phase 2C) Project.
• Concord – Chelmsford – Peabody: The drainage improvements along Routes 2, 3, and 128
• Danvers: The bridge replacement on Water Street (Route 35) over the Waters River.
• Danvers – Medford: The project to make drainage repairs along Route 1 and I-93 and I-95.
• Everett: The multi-use pathway construction and ramp and sidewalk connections to the North Stand Community Trail.
• Everett – Medford: The project to replace two bridges carrying Revere Beach Parkway (Route 16) over the Malden River (Woods Memorial Bridge) and over the MBTA Orange Line, Commuter Rail and Rivers Edge Drive.
• Groveland: The roadway reconstruction project on Route 97.
• Haverhill: The roadway reconstruction and signal improvements project on Route 125.
• Haverhill: The Haverhill Riverwalk Project.
• Lawrence – North Andover: The resurfacing project (including 7 bridges) and barrier repairs along I-495.
• Lexington: The roadway reconstruction along Route 4/225 (Massachusetts Ave) and adjacent streets.
• Lexington – Burlington: The resurfacing and median barrier placement along I-95 and two bridge deck repairs.
• Lowell: The bridge replacement on Market Street over the Western Canal.
• Lowell: The bridge replacement on the VFW Highway over Beaver Brook.
• Lynnfield – Peabody: The resurfacing and related work on Route 1.
• Medford: The reconstruction of the Cradock Bridge (Route 38) over the Mystic River.
• Methuen: The I-93 intersection reconstruction project at Routes 110/113 (Methuen Rotary).
• Methuen: The resurfacing project along the Route 213 Loop Connector.
• Newbury – Newburyport: The Clipper City Rail Trail (Phase II) Project.
• Salem: The roadway and shared path reconstruction on Canal Street.
• Somerville: The sidewalk reconstruction at the intersection of Route 38 (Mystic Avenue) and Temple Road/Street (Safe Routes to School – Healy School).
• Stoneham – Winchester – Woburn: The Tri-Community Bikeway Project.

波士頓公校換餐點供應商 Revolution Foods強調全天然食物

New partner will deliver fresh meals made with all-natural ingredients, expand access for students

BOSTON — Tuesday, July 18, 2017 — Boston Public Schools (BPS) announced today that Revolution Foods, a national school meal provider focused on transforming the way America eats by providing access to healthy, affordable meals to students and families, has been selected as the district’s prepared breakfast and lunch provider through 2020. Revolution Foods, which has a strong track record of providing high-quality, delicious food to schools throughout the U.S., ensures that all of its meals adhere to “clean label” standards. This means that they are made from wholesome, all-natural ingredients free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and additives. All of its meals are fresh, which will essentially eliminate the district’s use of frozen food. Additionally, Revolution Foods utilizes fresh local and regional produce, high quality proteins, rBST (growth hormone)-free dairy products from local dairies, and prohibits the use of high fructose corn syrup and trans fats. “For many students, the meals they receive at school are their most nutritious of the day,” said BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang. “Revolution Foods embraces our nationally-recognized efforts of making sure every student has access to healthy foods in order to be well fed and ready to learn. I am excited that Boston Public Schools and Revolution Foods will work together to ensure all students get the healthiest and tastiest meals they deserve to help them better achieve their academic potential.”   Revolution Foods is committed to providing minimally processed meals that are prepared fresh and delivered refrigerated — virtually eliminating the district’s reliance on frozen food. Only about 1% of the BPS food inventory will be frozen, and even then it will adhere to clean-label standards and only be used in cases of emergency.   “Our mission is to create lifelong healthy eaters and it starts by introducing a variety of healthy ingredients and culturally relevant menu items that drive student consumption,” said Kristin Groos Richmond, CEO and founder of Revolution Foods. “Revolution Foods is the only company on a national level to offer a clean-label supply chain and student inspired, chef-crafted meals. We are incredibly honored to serve the Boston Public Schools community. We are committed to being a strong partner in setting all BPS students up for success each day.”  The company currently serves 2 million meals a week to more than 22 school districts throughout the U.S, including San Francisco, Austin, Texas, Newark, N.J., Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. It also serves more than 15,000 meals a day at 25 school campuses throughout Massachusetts.  Revolution Foods will build on its current relationships with local and national partners, such as Commonwealth Kitchen, Community Servings, Food Corps, Let’s Talk About Food, and Share Our Strength/Cooking Matters, to help facilitate the distribution of fresh food and nutrition education for parents, teachers and students. It will also utilize the Rosev Dairy facility in Chelsea to facilitate distribution each day. “Revolution Foods will be a strong partner as Boston Public Schools continues to make strides in expanding accessibility of healthy, delicious meals to all students,” said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O’Neill. “Revolution Foods’ strong commitment to community outreach and ensuring the healthiest possible meals is particularly encouraging.” Recognized for its active outreach to families, Revolution Foods will bring to Boston a robust community engagement program that includes “Back-to-School Nights,” community open houses, staff training, student/school food tasting events, and participation in local “Let’s Talk About Food” events.  Each of these will provide BPS students and families an opportunity to discuss community needs, share feedback related to nutrition and taste standards, and sample meals through regular taste-testing. The goal is to use the family feedback to help develop innovative and culturally relevant menu items tailored to each school community based on family feedback.  Revolution Foods is also committed to working with BPS on exploring all options to increase participation in both breakfast and lunch.  The company recently implemented a successful “Breakfast in the Classroom” program in San Francisco in which students eat after the morning bell. The program positively impacted student test scores, attendance levels/tardiness, behavior and ability to focus as well as healthy habits and increased meal participation. “Revolution Foods shares our vision of ensuring all students have access to healthy food,” said Laura Benavidez, Executive Director of the BPS Food and Nutrition Department. “We look forward to working with Revolution Foods as we find innovative ways to expand menu choices and opportunities for students and families.”  Through its partnership with BPS, Revolution Foods is creating 35 new jobs in the Boston area. Revolution Foods was selected following a thorough review process that included BPS parents, school staff, community members, and a member of the City’s Finance Commission.

Vertex Awards Two BPS Graduates, First-Generation College Students Full Scholarships to UMass

Vertex Awards Two BPS Graduates, First-Generation College Students Full Scholarships to UMass

Boston public high school students Cuishan "Hannah" Mei and Sayed Shah receive scholarships to pursue STEM degrees

BOSTON — Monday, July 17, 2017 — Vertex, Boston Public Schools (BPS), and the University of Massachusetts today announced the recipients of the annual Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship, a four-year, full-ride scholarship to pursue an education in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) at any University of Massachusetts campus. The scholarship is part of a broad STEM education program established by Vertex to equip students for careers in STEM through hands-on learning and mentoring opportunities. This year’s scholarship recipients are Sayed Shah from the Boston International Newcomers Academy, and Hannah Mei from the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. Both students are first-generation immigrants and college students who have witnessed firsthand the powerful impact that careers in STEM can have on people’s lives. "These scholarships are about our ability to help change the lives of young people through opportunity to higher education,” said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vertex. "Students like Sayed and Hannah are the future leaders of innovation in science and medicine, and we're delighted to help provide the opportunities they need to develop their talent and succeed in a STEM career.” “I thank Vertex for recognizing the strong talent within the Boston Public Schools,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “These students are dedicated and eager to learn the skills that will make them successful in our current and future economy." Sayed has been involved with Vertex’s STEM program for the past year, regularly visiting the Learning Lab with his class. Both Hannah and Sayed are interning at Vertex this summer so they can apply their passion for using science to solve tough problems and improve people’s lives. “Life can be hard, but sometimes hardship gives you the solutions,” wrote Sayed in his scholarship application essay. After his home district in Pakistan lost access to electricity, Sayed activated lessons from his physics and math classes to create a water-powered electric motor, allowing his family to eat dinner in the light. Sayed realized the potential of his education to make an impact and now plans to study computer engineering at UMass Amherst. Similarly, Hannah’s focus on pharmacology was spurred by a personal connection to cancer. Hannah realized she could channel her love of science into developing lifesaving medicines to help people with cancer and other diseases. She plans to study biochemistry at UMass Amherst. “Sayed and Hannah have demonstrated great initiative and determination in the face of extraordinary personal challenges, and I’m proud to welcome them to the University of Massachusetts,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “UMass is committed to giving hardworking students access to a transformative education and preparing them to thrive in the Commonwealth’s innovation economy.”    Vertex’s comprehensive STEM program and partnership with Boston Public Schools began in 2012 and now includes: Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship  Thomas M. Menino Learning Lab – a 3,000-square-foot classroom and laboratory space that provides local students and teachers the opportunity to work alongside Vertex scientists to conduct experiments with cutting-edge technologies. More than 900 students attended science classes or workshops in the Learning Lab this year. High school and college internships – students gain real-world professional experience and exposure to careers in STEM. This summer, approximately 35 high school students and 100 college students will join us for internships in our labs and across the business. Science Fair Mentorship program – students are paired with a Vertex mentor and receive guidance on science fair projects at the school, city and state level. In Spring 2017, 21 Vertex mentors spent more than 500 hours working with students on their projects. Community partnerships – Over the last five years, Vertex has developed strong relationships with organizations like Bottom Line, Hack.Diversity and i2 Learning to expose students to STEM opportunities at every point along their educational journey — from grade school to graduate school. “This partnership with Vertex is a true example of one that provides students college- and career-ready skills in the innovation sector,” said BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang. “Not only is Vertex helping foster our future leaders, they are embracing the multi-cultural lenses that Sayed and Hannah bring to the table. I am so proud of these students, as well as the other award recipients, for their continued dedication and hard work.” Vertex also granted three $1,000 awards to scholarship finalists, Florcey Bouquet from the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science will attend UMass Amherst, and Madison Park Vocational High School graduates, Taija Reverdes and Evelyn Rosario, who will be attending UMass Dartmouth and UMass Boston, respectively.