LOWELL — For many young people, an experience outside the classroom can become the moment that changes the way they see their future. A college visit, a conversation with a mentor, or a leadership activity can open new doors, inspire aspirations, and help students discover abilities they may not have recognized within themselves.

That is the work Elevate New England has developed over the past decade in Lowell and Lawrence: supporting students, building relationships based on trust, and providing opportunities that help them grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

During a recent ceremony, the organization celebrated the donation of two new vehicles from Henley Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Valvoline Instant Oil Change in the United States. The contribution will strengthen Elevate’s ability to connect more students with educational experiences, mentorship programs, leadership activities, and personal development opportunities.

A Decade Creating Opportunities for Young People

Since its founding in Lowell in 2016, Elevate New England has grown from a local initiative into an organization that currently impacts approximately 2,200 students across 19 schools in Lowell and Lawrence.

During the event, Jim Pocock, Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate New England, reflected on the organization’s journey and explained that what began ten years ago with 24 students in Career Academy and a team of four people has grown into a broad-reaching community initiative.

Pocock emphasized that Elevate’s growth responds to a fundamental need: ensuring that young people have trusted adults who support them, guide them, and help them overcome challenges.

The organization focuses on creating meaningful relationships between students and mentors, providing transformative experiences, and preparing young people to achieve their goals after high school graduation. Pocock also highlighted that 99% of participating students graduate from high school and that Lawrence represents a new phase of growth for the organization.

Stories That Reflect Elevate’s Impact

Beyond the numbers, the impact of Elevate New England was reflected through the personal stories shared by Adam Tran and Christopher Delors, two young people whose lives have been influenced by the organization.

Adam Tran, Lawrence Pipeline Coordinator and Elevate mentor, explained that his own experience as a student inspired him to work with young people. He recalled facing difficult moments as a teenager and understanding the importance of having a trusted adult who could guide him and help him see new possibilities.

Tran shared that his mentor, Marco, played a critical role in his life by helping him discover opportunities, develop important life skills, and build the character that guided him toward a different path.

When Tran learned about Elevate New England, he immediately connected with its mission of providing students with the support and opportunities that can change their lives. He explained that activities such as camping trips, leadership experiences, and mentoring sessions allow students to step outside their familiar environments, build confidence, and discover new possibilities for their future.

That same impact was reflected in the story of Christopher Delors, a 2023 graduate of the Elevate program. Although he joined the program during his senior year of high school, he had already witnessed the positive influence Elevate had on other students and wanted to become part of that community.

Delors explained that Elevate supported him in many areas, including school attendance, transportation, employment opportunities, guidance, and access to experiences that expanded his vision of the future.

After graduating, he faced the challenges of transitioning into adulthood and searching for his professional direction. Today, he is studying cybersecurity and continuing to develop his personal and professional goals.

When he returned to Elevate, he found the same support system that had encouraged him as a student. The organization continued checking in on him, connecting him with resources, and motivating him to move forward.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for Elevate,” said Delors, highlighting the lasting impact of an organization that continues supporting young people even after graduation.

A Partnership Focused on Supporting the Whole Student

Angela Alonzo, Community Schools District Manager for Lowell Public Schools, highlighted the importance of the partnership between the district and Elevate New England, explaining that this collaboration provides more comprehensive support for students.

Alonzo emphasized that student success depends not only on academic achievement, but also on having positive relationships, emotional support, leadership opportunities, and adults who help young people build confidence in themselves.

“Our goal is to support students as whole individuals,” Alonzo said.

She explained that one of the strengths of this partnership is creating a community where students support one another across generations. High school students serve as mentors and positive role models for younger students, strengthening leadership, responsibility, and preparation for the future.

“We have high school students mentoring middle school students, and those students, in turn, serving as role models for elementary school students. A true community has been created, one that is committed to helping our young people succeed,” Alonzo said.

New Vehicles to Expand Opportunities

As part of its continued commitment, Elevate New England received two new vehicles donated by Henley Enterprises, providing an important resource to strengthen student participation in the organization’s programs.

Rhea Gordon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Elevate New England, explained that the vehicles will be used by the organization’s team to transport students to activities that are part of its programs.

These activities include college visits, adventure activities, mentoring sessions, and other experiences designed to support students’ academic, personal, and professional growth.

Gordon emphasized that these experiences are an essential part of Elevate’s work because they allow students to explore new environments, develop leadership skills, and imagine new possibilities for their future.

“Your generosity represents much more than two vans. It is about opening doors for hundreds of young people and providing them with access to opportunities that can truly change the direction of their lives,” Gordon said.

She added that having these vehicles will make it easier for more students to participate in activities that strengthen their leadership skills, mentoring relationships, and preparation for college and the workforce.

A Shared Commitment to the Future of the Community

Don Smith, Founder and CEO of Henley Enterprises, highlighted that the partnership with Elevate New England reflects shared values, especially the importance of investing in people and helping them develop their potential.

Smith explained that Henley Enterprises’ growth has been built on employee training and development, a philosophy that connects directly with Elevate’s mission of preparing young people to achieve their goals.

With the addition of these new vehicles, Elevate New England will continue strengthening its ability to connect students in Lowell and Lawrence with experiences that can transform their lives.

The ceremony reaffirmed the commitment of an organization that believes every student has a story, potential, and a future that can be transformed when opportunities, support, and people willing to believe in them come together.

(Article originally published in Spanish at Lowell Corazon Latino)