ABOUT US
The program was born out of a need to motivate a particularly tough 5th grade class at the F.D. Roosevelt School in 2004. By the 2nd year the two 5th grade teachers requested the continuation of speakers visits. The F.D Roosevelt School hosted the pilot program with 6 speakers presenting between October through May followed by a learning excursion. A spring Writing Expression Contest was added as the program expanded.
The program inspires fifth graders in Boston area schools by bringing successful people into their classrooms to tell their personal stories. This simple exposure to the possibility of different career paths has a significant impact on a young person’s life.
Over 70 inspiring speakers tell their personal stories to 5th grade classes in Boston area schools over the course of the academic year. In the spring our 5th graders experience learning excursions to local businesses and an end of year writing expression contest with a celebration of 3 winners per school.
Nothing becomes impossible after hearing the real life personal stories of the speakers. No matter what the aspiration of the student, they learn over the course of the year that their dreams can come true as they witness diverse speakers who have overcome great adversity in their lives and are now successful in their professions.
By an adult starting with their 5th grade story students find an automatic bond and connection with the speaker. The students also realize that their family situation may not be unique or perhaps the low grade they achieved also happened to the speaker. Many of our speakers have relayed stories of great success and diversity in middle and high school. How the speaker navigated the twists and turns of their life leaves an imprint on our students.
Students can appreciate why they learn math and writing and why positive attitudes, faith, honesty and determination are all essential parts of the road map to ultimate success. The speakers are the real life examples that if They Made It…So can every 5th grader.
MISSION
They Made It…So Can I, The 5th Grade Speakers Series creates timeless memories of success stories through diverse speaker presentations so that 5th graders will carry the seeds of empowerment to middle school and beyond, always believing if ‘They Made It…So Can I’.
