Greetings,
 
Fall is typically my favorite season with the cool weather, beautiful foliage and the start of the school year. College looks different for students everywhere, and the pandemic continues to highlight the inequities Wily Scholars face as schools adjust their programs. The COVID-19 crisis has required Scholars to work harder than ever—revealing their creativity, kindness and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
 
All of this is happening while the world reckons with systemic racial injustice, the ravages of climate change, and a contentious political contest. At Wily, we are supporting Scholars and staff as they act as advocates for themselves and others.
 
Amidst this emotional weight, Wily continues to thrive. We welcomed 61 Scholars back to school this year, including 14 new Scholars. Together, they are working on their plans for succeeding in college with the support of seven Wily coaches and a robust, community-focused program. All this is made possible by our development team, Board of Directors, and supporters like you.
  
This past week, we celebrated together with the Wily community at our virtual Fall Community Day. With all staff and most of the Scholars participating, we were able to see the power of our group as we met in the same “room.” 
 
As always, we want to thank you for continuing to support Wily on this journey.

Take care,
Judi Alperin King
Executive Director
Update on Wily Graduates
This past year, we were proud to see 12 Wily Scholars graduate. We reached out to a few to ask what they are up to: 

  • Chantel is working as an investment analyst at a hedge fund.
  • Eric is working as a teaching fellow at a charter school.
  • Harley is interviewing for a consulting position and is working for a start-up on the side.
  • Jilly is serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA student advisor and will begin a Masters in Social Work in Fall 2021.
  • Jordan is working as a census enumerator while he studies for the LSAT, after which he plans to transition to a paralegal position.
  • Rachel is working at a sustainability non-profit organization as a program assistant.
  • Taylor is working as a security engineer at a major technology company.

Check out Wily’s Blog to hear more from Scholars, and read the most recent post about how Wily Scholars are among the students hardest hit by the pandemic. Check out our social media to hear Scholars’ words of wisdom.
Fall Community Day
Last Saturday, Wily Scholars, coaches, and staff gathered together for (a virtual) Fall Community Day. The day included lunch, icebreakers, fun games and contests, and discussion groups for Scholars to share advice and questions with each other. We are so grateful we could gather together as a Pack - it was the perfect day and we couldn’t have asked for anything better!
Welcome Back Care Packages
Safely and virtually, Wily’s amazing volunteers put together Welcome Back Care Packages for Wily Scholars last month! Thank you to Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, the Sharon Rotary Club, and Kathy Alperin and Anne Cadigan for your generous in-kind donations and support. Scholars were thrilled to receive care packages for the start of the semester.

If you're interested in creating care packages or chairing a virtual event, reach out to Development/Program Coordinator Gabe Benson!
Wily's Summer Read
On July 27th, we hosted Wily’s Summer Read: A Chance in the World, a virtual discussion with Steve Pemberton. The event was hosted by Wily Scholar J’Saun Bastien and moderated by Carmen Ortiz-McGhee. Steve’s message was clear: listen and learn about people, stand beside people who need help—not out of pity but out of admiration—truly see people by shining a light on them. A recording of the event is linked here!
Wily Shines a Light on Gratitude
We have launched our Fall 2020 campaign, Be the Light - click here to learn more about the campaign and how Steve Pemberton’s words inspired the theme! The campaign will culminate this December 3rd with our event, Wily Shines A Light on Gratitude: An Evening of Music and Connections. We hope you’ll save the date and join us for the virtual celebration. Click here for more info.
Young Professionals Association
We are thrilled to announce a new aspect of our network - the Young Professionals Association (YPA). The YPA is a group of self-driven young professionals who are working together to make career connections with Wily Scholars, raise awareness and funds for Wily, and work on their own professional development. The group is focused on expanding membership and supporting the Be the Light campaign for the remainder of 2020. For more information, including how to join, click here.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Thank you to the Bain Capital Children’s Charity, Boston Resiliency Fund, Clipper Ship Foundation, Cummings Foundation, Ilene Beal Foundation, Life Science Cares, and Wellington Management Foundation for your ongoing support of Wily. We could not do this work without you.

Thank you to Life Science Cares and to everyone who has sent items from Wily’s Amazon wish list for Scholar care packages. The snacks, self-care supplies and other necessities go a long way in helping Scholars feel supported and cared for.

Thank you to the Sunovion employees who took part in the company’s “Hands On Day.” Folks from different departments volunteered to talk with Scholars about topics such as unexpected professional challenges, post-graduate job searches, and career goal-setting.
A Growing Pack
The Wily Pack has grown over the past few months! Please welcome new staff members Gabrael Benson (Development/Program Coordinator) and Korie Clegg (Clinical Scholar Coach). We are also grateful to be working with Development Consultant Lori Smith Britton, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Consultant Kiera Penpeci this fall.
Be the Light
We rely on the strength of our Wily Network pack.

Please consider making a gift.
Our Colleges and Universities
Boston College, Boston University, Bridgewater State University, Emmanuel College, Harvard University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Middlebury College, Northeastern University, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, and Wellesley College (as of 10/2020)
Join Our Pack