Who We Are

Scholar-Centered

At Wily, we fill essential gaps for Scholars who face unique and systemic barriers, partnering with them to manage epic and everyday challenges. Our efficacy rests in the power of deep trusting relationships that cascade into ever-expanding circles of support. We partner with college students in the greater Boston area who are working towards their degrees without emotional or financial support from family. Wily provides a critical safety net for Scholars as they navigate college independently.

Our Mission

Wily works to ensure Scholars have the tools and networks necessary to thrive in four-year residential colleges and transition successfully into post-college life.

Core Values

Wily’s core values are the principles that guide this organization. They shape how we approach our work and conduct our personal relationships; they are the lens through which we make strategic decisions and measure our success; they influence how we hire, train, and acknowledge our staff. Ultimately, our core values ensure that all members of the Wily community feel a sense of belonging and know that their voices are valued.

Wily Scholars are the heart of our mission

We shape every decision we make around how best to partner with Scholars during their college journeys. Scholars’ voices are a critical component of our decision-making process. We reflect on how each of our individual perspectives and identities influence our work with Scholars.

We believe in the power of deep, trusting relationships

Wily is a reliable presence in Scholars’ lives. We join Scholars in building reciprocal and transformational relationships. We are intentional about creating a space where all members of the Wily community can share their authentic selves and feel a true sense of belonging.

We believe in the strength of our pack

Together, Wily Scholars form a pack that supports and celebrates one another. We work collaboratively with colleges, local nonprofits, and a dedicated base of volunteers to build a broad community of support for Scholars.

We are committed to the long term

As an organization and in our individual relationships with Scholars, we only make commitments we can keep. We are there for Scholars through college and beyond. Wily alums remain an integral part of our pack.

We are a listening/learning organization committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

We make decisions with intention. We continually evaluate our program and are adaptable to meet our staff and Scholar needs. The Wily Pack is made up of unique identities, backgrounds and perspectives, and we strive to honor each individual’s lived experiences.

Building Futures Together

When Wily was founded in 2015, comprehensive support programs for college students had been around. But we knew there was a gap to be filled for students navigating life on their own, and none were meeting the need in the Greater Boston area.

The Wily Network was the first program of its kind in the United States to accept any qualifying student at a four-year college, regardless of which school they attend. We started working with the first two Wily Scholars in 2016. Today, over 85 graduations later, Wily partners with more than 100 Scholars. As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we remain laser focused on our vision to ensure Scholars have the tools and networks necessary to thrive and build a brighter tomorrow.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Our efficacy rests in the power of deep trusting relationships that cascade into ever-expanding circles of support. To obtain this trust, we address inequities by staying aware of how they manifest in and impact our organization and our community. We take action through advocacy, allyship, and anti-racism practices to ensure we’re acting in partnership with underrepresented communities.