Friday, December 1, 2006

Please Welcome Frank Cruz , Executive Director

Frank joins the Boston Scholars Program team having just graduated from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education where he received his Master of Education and before that the John F. Kennedy School of Government where he received his Master in Public Administration. Frank decided to get his two Masters degrees after a strong career spent as a senior administrator who helped build Prep for Prep, a nonprofit similar to Boston Scholars that identifies and prepares minority youth for success in independent high school and college.

Frank embodies so many of the elements that Boston Scholars strives to build in each of its Scholars. Born and raised in the South Bronx section of New York City, Frank’s willingness to challenge himself academically led him to accept a scholarship to attend independent school in Manhattan and later boarding school. During his four years at the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, Frank excelled in class, sports and community service. His drive and preparation led him to become a first generation college graduate. After completing his undergraduate degree at Princeton University, Frank continued his involvement in leadership development work with low-income youth by founding major divisions and components of Prep for Prep in New York City.

Over for the greater part of 15 years, Frank served in a variety of positions including Deputy Executive Director for Leadership Development and Deputy Executive Director for Alumni Affairs. At one point, Frank headed up one-third of the 50-team organization, supervising staff and counseling for Prep grades 10-12, undergraduates and all work with college graduates. Always remembering the community of his childhood, Frank took a two-year hiatus from the nonprofit world to do political work in the Bronx. During that time, Frank ran for the New York State Assembly as a Candidate for the 79th Assembly District, Bronx, New York. Frank is happy to lead the Boston Scholars Program to greater success each year.