Annual Education Prizes Awarded

On May 22, the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers received the 2018 Pozen Prize for Innovative Schools at the Boston Foundation. The $80,000 award is given annually to recognize schools that consistently boost student achievement through innovative models, programs and practices. Boston Community Leadership Academy was selected as runner-up, receiving a $10,000 prize.

First awarded in 2014, the Pozen Prize highlights pilot, innovation, Horace Mann and Commonwealth charter schools that are finding innovative ways to connect with students and help them succeed.

“Kennedy Academy has leveraged its Horace Mann charter autonomies to build a long-standing reputation as a place of high academic achievement for students from all backgrounds,” said Robert Pozen, who created the prize with his wife, Elizabeth Pozen.

On June 6, Holyoke Community College received the 2018 Deval Patrick Prize for Community Colleges at the Boston Foundation. First awarded in 2015, the $50,000 prize recognizes community colleges that do an outstanding job of partnering with employers to build effective career pathways for their students. HCC won the prize for its expanded culinary arts and hospitality programs through its MGM Institute for Culinary Arts in downtown Holyoke.

Rosalin Acosta, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, presented the Deval Patrick Prize to Dr. Christina Royal, President of Holyoke Community College.

“This honor recognizes the hard work and thoughtful process we have been able to undertake with our business and community partners to identify and meet the needs of both the hospitality industry and our students,” said Dr. Royal.