826 Boston’s annual college essay extravaganza, College Essay Boot Camp, serves more than 100 students each year. Volunteers receive training and are paired with high school juniors and seniors who are working on those all-important 650 words.

Last year’s College Essay Boot Camp was a huge success, thanks to the incredible outpouring of our volunteer network. Through the one-day event at Northeastern University and events hosted at corporate campuses across the city, we helped students write 274 college essays.

The college essay is arguably one of the most important pieces of writing our students will ever produce in their lives, but many students are trying to chart a course to college on their own. College Essay Boot Camp can be the critical support students need.

Some stats about past College Essay Boot Camp participants:

• 60% of students who attended had parents who were born outside of the United States;
• 45% of students reported that they would be the first in their families to attend college;
• 48% of students had not started their essays prior to College Essay Boot Camp…
• and 70% of students left College Essay Boot Camp with a 1st, 2nd, or final draft in hand.

“Thank you, 826 Boston, for your amazing work with our college-bound students. Your programs truly make a difference.” – Josette Teneus, mother and guidance counselor, Charlestown High School

“To be honest, I came here with no ideas, no topic, nothing. I am so grateful to be a participant in this program. I overcame a lot.” – Former student participant