About

In 2024, we provided packages for 170 students from the class of 2028.

1,400 Students

Since 2011, Freshman Fresh Start has funded over 1,400 students from 40 High Schools and Agencies in the greater Boston area.

What We Do

  • Freshman Fresh Start was established in 2011.

  • Freshman Fresh Start helps students facing serious financial challenges by supporting their transition to college.

  • Most financial aid covers tuition, room and board, but often misses the “hidden costs” of attending college —including basic dorm room and school supplies.

  • Freshman Fresh Start partners with high schools, charter schools, support agencies, and educators throughout the greater Boston area to identify financially struggling students.

  • Students who arrive on campus without the necessary supplies begin their college experience with significant social, psychological, and material disadvantages. This is where Freshman Fresh Start steps in.  

  • On their very first day, Freshman Fresh Start students are on a more even playing field, equipped with a much-needed sense of confidence during a vulnerable time. They unpack their brand-new items just like every other student. We hope this “fresh start” will help them work toward the ultimate goal: college graduation.

  • Despite our growth each year, there is significant unmet need in the Boston area.

Freshman Fresh Start 
By The Numbers

  • Boston Arts Academy • Boston College High School • Boston Collegiate Charter School • Boston Green Academy • Boston International High School • Boston International Newcomers Academy • Boston Latin • Brighton High • Brockton High • Cambridge Rindge and Latin • Charlestown High • City on a Hill Charter School • Codman Academy • Cristo Rey Boston • East Boston High • Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK Academy) • English High School • Fenway High • Fontbonne Academy • Jeremiah Burke High School • John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science • Josiah Quincy Upper School • Lawrence Academy • Lawrence High School • Lowell High School • Lynn Classical • Malden High • Match Charter School • Melrose High • New Bedford High School • New Heights Charter School of Brockton • New Haven Academy • New Mission High School • Notre Dame High School • Prospect Hill Academy • Revere High School • Somerville High School • South Boston Excel • South High Community School • Steppingstone Scholars • Tech Boston Academy • Thrive Scholars • Urban Science Academy • uAspire

  • Becker College • Boston College • Boston Conservatory • Boston University • Brandeis University • Bridgewater State University • Brown University • Bryn Mawr • Bucknell • Centre College • Clark University • Colby-Sawyer • College of the Holy Cross • Connecticut College • Cornell University • Dartmouth College • Dean College • Denison University • Emmanuel College • Emory University • Fitchburg State • Framingham State • Green Mountain College • Hamilton College • Harvard University • Howard University • Lehigh University • Loyola • Macalester College • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts • Merrimack College • Morehouse College • Mount Ida • New York University • Northeastern University • Northwestern University • Princeton University • Providence College • Regis College • Rhode Island College • Roger Williams University • Saint Anselm • Saint John’s • Saint Michaels • Salem State • Smith College • South Carolina State • Spelman College • Stonehill College • Syracuse University • Tufts University • UMASS Amherst • UMASS Boston • UMASS Dartmouth • UMASS Lowell • Union College • University of Maine • University of Sciences Philadelphia • University of the District of Columbia • Vanderbilt University • Wentworth Institute of Technology • Westfield State • Wheaton College • Wheelock College • Worcester Polytechnic Institute • Worcester State • Yale University

2024

170 students were awarded our package of essential dorm room and school supplies

91% were first generation college students

Four were their high school valedictorians

2025

172 students were awarded our package of essential dorm room and school supplies

88% were first generation college students

Eight were their high school valedictorians