“We feel really lucky to have the space and to be able to offer it, because we’ve grown a lot by getting to know the students,” Julie Wilson, HSHS Corporation President, said of the University Lutheran Church, which hosts HSHS in its basement. “It’s been really helpful for the congregation.” 

Today, Jarell Lee ’10 is the principal of KIPP Academy Primary in Chicago. He founded the school in 2019 with 88 kindergarteners. Since then, the school has expanded to serve 400 students. But sixteen years ago, Jarell was a student at Harvard, directing the Summer Urban Program (SUP), Cambridge Youth Enrichment Program (CYEP).

“It was intense, but super rewarding,” Reverend John H. Finley IV ’92 said of his time with PBHA, volunteering at Harvard Square’s Homeless Shelter and delivering food to homeless shelters.

After his four years at PBHA, John went on to teach at Nativity Preparatory School and start his own school, Epiphany School.

Jose Magaña ’15 was deeply involved in nearly every aspect of PBHA, volunteering afterschool, working at PBHA’s Summer Urban Program (SUP), supervising a homeless shelter, and even working as an officer. For eight years following graduation, Jose has worked at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, preparing Hispanic youth for future professional life.

“I could not have had a Harvard experience without PBHA,” Priscilla “Scill” Chan ’01 said.

Scill joined PBHA her freshman year, commuting several times a week to Boston’s Chinatown to volunteer. After receiving the Stride Rite scholarship, Scill “chose” service and dedicated the next three years to PBHA and her career to education.

Ayanna embarked on four years of public service through PBHA: transforming programs and exploring pathways she never would’ve considered otherwise. Her time at PBHA prepared her for a career as a teacher, school founder, and principal. Today, she is the principal at Vision Academy Charter School of Excellence.

Today, Jessica J. Tang ’04 is the President of the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts — representing more than 22,000 education staff including teachers, paraprofessionals, school librarians, substitute teachers, school nurses, and many more. But, Jessica’s public service journey began with PBHA.

From 2016-2017, John B. King, Jr. ’96 served as the 10th United States Secretary of Education, under President Barack Obama. But, while he was an undergraduate at Harvard, he was also PBHA President and Director of Mission Hill Summer Urban Program (SUP) and Peace Games

SUP is a unique experience that can only be explained by those who take part, as we try our best to convey that uniqueness to you, here are some pictures that may help you understand better. Take a peak into the last 60 or so years of generational impact and love across all ages, genders, and races.