CHANCES is a short-term intervention program for pregnant students enrolled in the Boston Public Schools. CHANCES offers a small learning community that works with students’ learning styles to help them reach their educational potential. Each student receives individual case management that addresses their strengths, needs and goals in becoming young parents. All students’ needs are assessed and referrals for appropriate service are made. Healthy Families and Room to Grow are two organizations to which case managers make frequent student referrals.

In addition to case management and individual academic support, students spend their afternoons engaged in classes that address the specific needs of young parents such as prenatal care, parenting, life skills and wellness classes. Each student receives six months of follow-up services after they give birth to ensure their continued academic and personal success and to assist in their transition back to the Boston Public School to which they are assigned. While in the program students receive free breakfast and lunch along with transportation to and from the school from five different stops in Boston.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Students interested in attending CHANCES can refer themselves or be referred by a family member, clinic or school. After a referral is made, a student and their guidance counselor will be contacted to determine an appropriate start date. Once this date has been determined, the referral form will be faxed to the student’s guidance counselor. The guidance counselor must then work with the student to have all paperwork completed before the student begins classes. All students are required to submit a copy of their transcript upon entry to the program. The student and guidance counselor are responsible for providing CHANCES with all of the books and assignments necessary for adequate coursework completion while they are in the program. All students interested in the program should contact Laura Fabiano at 617-782-7600 x2129.