Stay in School

The Boston Celtics Stay in School program is presented by Arbella Insurance and is a collaboration of efforts from the Celtics, the New England Sports Museum, the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society and the Boston Public Schools. The 2007-08 season marks the 17th year of the Stay in School program in Boston Public Middle Schools.

Based on the premise that children are influenced by sports figures, the Stay in School program uses athletes to encourage good attendance, which plays an instrumental role in determining future scholastic success.

At five assemblies during the academic year, Celtics players and coaches visit and deliver a special program using the acronym "PRIDE" (Positive mental attitude; Respect; Intelligent choices; Dreams and goals; Effort and education). At the end of each year, the top 1,000 students are honored for their attendance and academic accomplishments at a celebration. Participation includes 27 public middle schools in Boston in grades six, seven, and eight.

Students are rewarded each month for perfect attendance and on-time arrival for school. In addition to this, students are encouraged to strengthen their writing skills by submitting essays on given topics, as well as submit art drawings.

In addition to students, teachers are also encouraged to become involved in the program by developing sports related curriculums. Teachers are also recognized for their contribution to the Stay in School program. More than 40,000 Boston students have participated in the program since its inception. The program has seen tremendous results for it efforts and involvement in the program has increased each year.