Photo by Lauren Miller
Boston, MA (June 15, 2023) – Boston-based nonprofit organization Apprentice Learning has announced that Letta Neely has been appointed its new Executive Director. Beginning July 1, 2023 Neely will lead the nonprofit dedicated to providing real world work experiences for middle-school students in Boston Public Schools.
Ms. Neely is Apprentice Learning’s current Vice President of Programs, having joined the organization in 2019, following a decade of experience working in community-based education programs within the Boston Public Schools and social justice youth-based organizations in and around Boston. She is also an acclaimed playwright, poet, and performer and has taught creative writing in community settings to both youth and adults.
“Letta’s experience and vision is perfectly in sync with Apprentice Learning’s mission and programs,” stated incoming Board President Brenda Kirouac. “We’re thrilled to welcome her into this role, knowing she is an excellent leader and champion to move the organization forward as we enter our second decade.” Darlene Marcano, Head of School at Dearborn STEM Academy, shared “Under Letta’s leadership, Apprentice Learning has afforded our students the opportunity to extend the learning that they engage in at the Dearborn by providing them real world application through their apprenticeships. We look forward to further collaboration with Apprentice Learning and congratulate Letta on her new role.”
Neely was unanimously selected by the Apprentice Learning Board of Directors after a six month hiring process. She succeeds Apprentice Learning’s Founder and Executive Director Helen Russell, who is stepping down at the end of this month after 10 years of successful leadership.
About her appointment, Neely noted “I am honored and delighted to be moving into this role at Apprentice Learning.
With Helen’s leadership and with the support of Apprentice Learning’s passionate and committed staff, we’ve built a thriving organization. I am ready to take the helm and explore new partnerships to propel us into our next chapter of growth. I believe deeply in the importance of opening doors, windows and highways; in seeding imaginations of young people so that they can be deft orchestrators of their own paths. Their futures are limitless when we expand their now. And I can’t wait to get started.”
Apprentice Learning serves over 400 middle grade students each year through school day apprenticeships and learn-to-earn career readiness internships. Through partnerships with schools and employers, they leverage career exploration to teach skills and nurture dreams for youth in the greater Boston area. Together with their partners, Apprentice Learning strives to demystify career opportunities for youth, to create a diverse talent pipeline and to encourage welcoming, equitable workplaces.
Visit www.apprenticelearning.org for more information.
Above photo by Stefanie Belnavis of The Diahann Project (@thediahannproject)
