Investing in Service

Leader in Boston's Financial Community Teams Up with Middle School Students to Transform Neighborhood

Mulching, weeding, painting and sprucing up the surrounding area was all part of the Mario Umana Middle School Academy's clean-up efforts in June 2008, when over 80 volunteers from Fidelity Investments joined forces with 120 Citizen Schools students for a massive cleanup and beautification of the school and surrounding area.  

"It was really cool to have so many people come out and support my neighborhood; we really don't see that a lot," seventh grade student Roberto Paredes commented. Volunteers completed a wide range of improvements, including repainting basketball and skateboarding courts, installing new planters, removing graffiti, revitalizing a community garden and cleaning up a nearby park. 

The all-school makeover was a big hit with students and volunteers alike. One volunteer participant enthused, "I had an amazing time yesterday—it was really one of the highlights of my eight years here at Fidelity. I loved looking around and seeing all of these familiar Fidelity faces in their volunteer gear, rolling up their sleeves and bonding with kids. I was fortunate to work with some truly special kids and I hope to keep in touch with a couple of them."    

Fidelity Investments has partnered with Citizen Schools since 1999 and is the lead sponsor of the Citizen Schools campus at the Mario Umana Middle School Academy, where Fidelity employees have led apprenticeships on topics ranging from music to financial literacy. 

Jim Kearney, Dean of Students at the school, notes, "The first ever graduation on school grounds was wonderful due to the massive makeover the Umana underwent with the help of Fidelity."  

Next year, with the Fidelity's leadership support as campus sponsor, Campus Director Mayron Ramirez is planning to expand the Citizen Schools program at the Mario Umana Academy to include 160 students, approximately 25% of the entire student body.