Our Story

The ESP mission began in 2019 as a grassroots initiative at the Hurley K-8 School in Boston’s South End. When the music program was cut due to budgetary and staffing constraints, the founding members of ESP partnered with Hurley Principal Bethy Verano to find a solution. With the help of outside partner organizations, ESP established a new weekly music program that grew to serve students in all grades. Since then, ESP has facilitated a variety of partnerships at the Hurley School to provide orchestra, chorus, musical theater, coding, chess, robotics, art, dance, basketball, volleyball, math enrichment, career prep, free swimming lessons, aftercare, and family engagement events.

 

ESP’s partnership management model proved effective and unique by fulfilling a broader need within the district. Based on growing demand, the ESP team began offering their services to other public schools across Boston in 2024. Today, ESP works closely with principals, parent organizations, and program providers to ensure the ongoing support of under-resourced school communities. 

 

Currently, 81% of Boston Public School students are designated as “high need”, 68% come from low-income households, 34% are English Language Learners, and 24% are students with disabilities. ESP seeks to create a well-rounded learning experience for those students who face the steepest challenges. At each partner school, ESP harnesses the power of collective action through meaningful relationships with youth-serving organizations, community groups, educators, and families.