It is a common known fact among school teachers that children tend to forget a lot of material from the previous school year over the summer. On average they have to spend four to eight weeks re-teaching these same things and losing valuable time where your child could be learning something new. After doing some research we found that children lose the most knowledge in math, but reading also decl...
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Last Friday was an important day for our organization with two different celebrations: one for our little ones and their successful completion of the Afterschool Learning Program, and the other to mark the opening of a special exhibit, “Emerging Latino Artists,” featuring local Latino artists who are making significant contributions to the Boston art scene. Afterschool Program End of the ...
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In recent studies it has been proven that children from a Hispanic background are not speaking Spanish at home anymore, in spite of their parents’ best efforts. Studies also show that bilingualism provides critical problem solving skills and helps develop a child’s mind as they grow into fruitful learners. This is why IBA’s bilingual preschool offers families the support they need when raising the...
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Our nation is experiencing a crisis in higher education; almost half of college students are leaving before they earn their degree. During the last decade, the city of Boston has made efforts to increase graduation and enrollment rates within the Boston Public Schools System, and although significant leaps have been made, the results are not equal across all demographics. Students of color are st...
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Although unemployment rates have generally declined, there is one age group who is still particularly affected. Youth unemployment rates are the highest compared to any other demographic. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, the rate of youth unemployment in our state was of 20 percent for individuals aged 16-19. This leaves a significant number of young...
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Paul and Junior López are 9-year-old twin brothers. They both love to play basketball, explore new places, spend their free time doing a variety of activities, and as their mom, Merian López, says, “they like to talk very much.” They learn from their surroundings with the typical ease of children that age. Merian is a hard working mother who dedicates her life to provide for her boys. Her job leav...
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Imparting our culture on to the next generation is a task in which we pride ourselves in. From traditions that span generations to the language we speak it is important that our children have the chance to experience it. With this same principle in mind was born a special theater company who has made it their mission to pass on our heritage through entertaining bilingual plays for the past 30 year...
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At IBA we recognize the important role and the benefits of the arts in the development of people, whether adults or youth, It's never too early to start or too late to take advantage of them. Art is a language that allows us to express and develop our ideas and emotions; artistic activities are full of processes that help us to grow and stimulate our creativity while nurturing the soul. When chil...
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Being in high school can be a difficult time due to academic pressures and social context; and accompanied by a feeling of uncertainty — a signature of an important transitional period. Being between 16 and 24 means that you have to start thinking about your future, how to be economically independent and what path to take in regards to a career or trade. In addition to these important life-alteri...
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We know the important role of youth in our communities. We also know that young minds need stimulating opportunities in order to grow and become leaders. This is why at our Youth Development Program young people participate in dynamic workshops, thought and planned yearly in accordance with their interests. Our youth is also very politically involved. To facilitat...
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Lately, economists have claimed that our country’s status is “Full Employment.” This term doesn’t mean that there is absolutely no unemployment, but as an article in NPR stated: “there are enough jobs for the number of job seekers.” However, an overwhelming number of people still feel that this explanation does not accurately represent individual stories of what is actually happening to those eage...
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At IBA we strive to provide our community with a high quality of life. Our philosophy is that in order to do this we must make it accessible by offering a host of educational programs, arts, and opportunities for career advancement (in addition to our sustainable housing.) We are constantly working to expand our reach, and on Thursday, November 12 we hosted our first career fair with 32 employers...
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Starting preschool can be nerve wracking for both the little ones and their parents. It is common for both parties to feel a bit of separation anxiety, but there are ways to make this transition easier and a positive experience. Here are a few tips we’ve picked up along the years at IBA’s preschool which you can do in preparation and also on the actual day. ...
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Summer is almost over, which means everyone is coming back from vacation and jobs are waiting to be filled. So, it’s time to start preparing for all the academic and labor opportunities that the Fall has to offer. With the remainder free time, this is the perfect opportunity to start applying for internships, enrolling in different programs, and exploring all the different career paths that Boston...
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The beginning of August means that summer is soon coming to an end. Now it is time to get ready for a new school year and for many parents this means enrolling their children in the right preschool program. Picking out the right one can be a scary process, there are so many factors to consider! Whether it is the location, learning philosophy, teaching approach, affordability… and the list goes on...
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