History
Boost Oakland was born out of a shared vision to create positive change in our community. Founded 1997 by Joan and Howard Poulter, the couple responded to the need for academic improvement in West Oakland schools and wanted to create a program that would encourage students to strive for excellence. Boost emerged with a mission to provide children in Oakland with equitable access to educational opportunities and support.
Our journey began with a small group of dedicated mentors and tutors who worked tirelessly to uplift the academic performance and self-confidence of our students. Over the years, our impact has grown, and we now serve hundreds of children annually, building a legacy of educational excellence and leadership development.
As we continue to evolve, our commitment to empowering young minds and nurturing hearts remains steadfast. We are driven by the belief that education is the key to unlocking the potential within every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our journey began with a small group of dedicated mentors and tutors who worked tirelessly to uplift the academic performance and self-confidence of our students. Over the years, our impact has grown, and we now serve hundreds of children annually, building a legacy of educational excellence and leadership development.
As we continue to evolve, our commitment to empowering young minds and nurturing hearts remains steadfast. We are driven by the belief that education is the key to unlocking the potential within every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our Values and Beliefs
At Boost, our values and beliefs form the foundation of everything we do. They guide our actions and decisions, shaping our approach to education and community engagement:
- Equity: We believe in creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their socio-economic status or background.
- Empowerment: We empower our students to take charge of their education, embrace leadership opportunities, and develop the skills needed to become confident, responsible citizens.
- Collaboration: We value collaboration and actively seek partnerships with organizations, volunteers, and community members to maximize our impact and create lasting change together.
- Integrity: Integrity is at the core of our organization. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in all aspects of our work.
- Resilience: We embrace challenges with resilience, using setbacks as opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
Success Stories and Testimonials
We are humbled and grateful for the support of parents, volunteers, and partners who have shared their experiences with Boost. Their testimonials inspire us to push boundaries and continue striving for excellence in everything we do.