$1.5 million Gift Will Create Kraft Center for Student Success

December 6, 2022

Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology announced today a $1.5 million donation from the Kraft Family Foundation. The funds will establish the Kraft Center for Student Success at the college’s new campus in Nubian Square, where students will receive resources to support academics, transportation, housing, food, childcare support, mental health resources, and career coaching while studying for careers in technical fields.

“We are very grateful to Robert Kraft and the Kraft Family Foundation for this generous gift that will allow us to continue to provide these vital services to our students who are preparing to join a high-demand workforce,” said Dr. Aisha Francis, CEO and President. “Often times the school’s work goes beyond the classroom, providing wrap around support to truly ensure the needs of each student are met so they can stay on the path to good paying jobs after graduation.”

The funds will enable the college to expand access to resources that eliminate barriers to education and access to technical careers.  As a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology serves a population of 76% students of color and 47% first generation college students, and 97% of students receive financial aid. Student support takes a high priority to boost individual learning outcomes and increase the economic impact for individuals from Boston and Gateway Cities. Through campus resources such as tutoring, financial literacy, academic and life coaching, and career workshops, students maximize their tuition to ensure they enter careers that provide livable wages and decrease their reliance on public assistance.

“For many students, the path to a well-paying job has obstacles. The Kraft Center for Student Success will ensure that the college can continue to provide dedicated wrap around support to truly ensure the needs of each student are met so they can stay on the path to good paying jobs after graduation,” said Jackie Cornog, Dean of Students. “Diverse industries need diverse and high-skilled professionals, and we are thankful to Robert Kraft and the Kraft Family Foundation for helping us expand our student services to provide the assistance and resources needed to help them thrive in a variety of high-growth technology fields.”

The Kraft Center for Student Success will be housed in the college’s new state-of-the-art campus planned for Boston’s Nubian Square. The generous gift also includes a partnership where students will have the opportunity to join internship programs and start a career at Gillette Stadium.