What We Do
A Holistic, Scholar-Centric Model
Our unparalleled coaching model meets students where they are. We fill essential gaps for Scholars who face unique and systemic barriers, partnering with them to manage epic and everyday challenges. Our distinction and efficacy rests in the power of deep trusting relationships and the elevating effects of a larger community of allies—their pack. Because when you are seen, connected and supported, more becomes possible.
We Believe in the Power of Deep, Trusting Relationships
With Wily by their side, Scholars have the support needed to keep pace with their peers, despite the challenges they face while navigating college. Wily supports Scholar success through key elements of our program: consistent emotional support through one-on-one clinical coaching, financial resources, a community on which they can rely, and opportunities to network that ensure they build the skills needed for a successful future.
Clinical Coaching
Coaches build long-term relationships with each Scholar. Through consistent, individualized, and holistic services, Scholars build the knowledge and skills to manage challenges and reach their goals.
Financial Resources
Along with support in making a budget and completing their financial aid forms, Wily Scholars receive a monthly stipend and extra help with their expenses as needed.
Community-Building and Networking
Wily’s events help Scholars develop peer relationships and find a community where they feel a sense of belonging, as well as to build social capital and prepare for their future careers.
Program and Community
A central component of Wily’s program is community—the Wily “Pack.” We call ourselves the Wily Pack because we are focused on building a network of strong, reciprocal, transformational relationships. By connecting Scholars with other students across Greater Boston who understand their stories, Wily fosters a sense of belonging on campus and beyond that students continue to carry with them after graduation.
Career Fair
The Wily Network hosted its inaugural career fair in 2021. This program gives participating companies the opportunity to recruit from a talented pool of Wily Scholars, while exposing students to a variety of career paths and some available jobs and internships. Scholars are able to expand their professional networks, participate in practice interviews, and get feedback on their resumes and cover letters. Learn more about how your company can get involved.
Monthly Get-Togethers
Each month, Wily Scholars are invited to join a different small group activity. Groups have gone out to dinner, painted pottery, visited museums, played mini-golf, and more. These optional events are an opportunity for Scholars to better get to know other students with shared interests—and to spend some time with Wily staff with whom they do not typically interact.
FAFSA Day
All Wily Scholars receive financial aid. Each year, Wily’s Career & Financial Resources Specialist schedules a “FAFSA Day” to work with Scholars to prepare their applications and CSS profiles. The Specialist answers questions to ensure that their eligibility for financial support is confirmed and maximized. Outside of FAFSA Day, Scholars work with the Specialist individually on their specific concerns, ranging from filing taxes to documenting their status as financially independent.
Wily Community Days
Our fall and spring Community Day events are a foundation of our programming. On Community Days, Scholars, alumni, and staff enjoy games and activities, presentations and roundtable discussions, and delicious meals. Each Community Day reinforces and strengthens the relationships in our Pack, providing a powerful resource for Scholars: each other.
Packsgiving
Every year, Wily Scholars gather on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to celebrate as a Pack. We share a meal and spend time together before the break, forging new connections and strengthening existing bonds. This annual tradition is a community favorite, full of delicious, culturally diverse food that fills all dietary needs!
Graduation
In addition to attending each Scholar’s graduations, Wily celebrates all of the year’s graduates in April with a revelrous dinner. Scholars wear graduation caps and Wily honor cords as they share a meal, listen to keynote and alumni speakers, and reminisce about their time at Wily. This is a triumphant but bittersweet moment for Scholars and staff alike.
