November 27, 2023 By Susan Kooperstein
Georgina Young, School Counselor, Hingham East Elementary School, and METCO parent, provides prospective METCO families with useful information at the METCO Showcase in Roxbury on November 18. The annual “Showcase” brings urban and suburban METCO representatives together to encourage Boston’s diverse students to apply to METCO for a chance to be referred via lottery to their preferred choice of outstanding suburban schools. Families also explore community agency opportunities, enjoy free pizza and DJ music, and take photos with Wally the Green Monster!
Since its founding in 1966, the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students in predominantly white school districts, creating the opportunity for students in those districts to learn in a racially and ethnically diverse setting. Many have called METCO a major player in the effort to dismantle racism. Currently METCO is seeking increased state funding in order to meet the costs of rising transportation and educational expenses, expand the program at school districts’ requests, and continue significant racial equity initiatives.