Application for Growing Empowerment, Summer 2026.  Note: We are awaiting approval of funding.
PLEASE VISIT https://www.youthgrowingempowerment.org/  PRIOR TO APPLYING TO LEARN MORE.  APPLICATION DUE JUNE 16, 11:59 PM. 

Growing Empowerment is run by BHS teacher Roger Grande in partnership with Steps to Success Brookline, and the Brookline Teen Center.  This application includes three open-ended questions.  It is strongly recommended that you write responses in advance, then copy them into this form.  This a small program and the number of accepted applicants is limited.  A strong application improves your chance of acceptance.

Before you apply, be sure you can meet the following expectations:
  • You are available July 6-August 6, Monday-Thursday, 9 am - 2 pm and commit to attending every day, arriving at BHS on time.  NO EXCEPTIONS (unless you can document an urgent concern or illness).
  • You are 15-19 years old (equivalent to completing 9th grade through having just completed 12th grade).
  • You attend (or just graduated) Brookline High School or other high school but live in Brookline.  
  • You have asked a teacher or school employee, to serve as a reference—they do not need to write a letter of recommendation.  Please send the brief Educator Reference Form to that educator.  No one will be accepted without a positive reference who can testify on the likelihood of your committed attendance and full engagement in this unique program.
  • You have sought approval from a caregiver or parent for you to participate.  Please send the brief Caregiver/Parent Form to that person.
  • You are comfortable working outside, in soil and among plants, doing light physical labor in accordance with your physical ability, in a variety of summer weather conditions.
  • You will engage in group discussion and activities; you will complete brief reflective writing each day and craft a 1 page piece of writing at the end of the Program; complete 2-3 short surveys.
Scroll down to the see the open-ended questions.
Email *
First Name (that you will use in the Program) *
Last name *
Pronouns *
Age on July 1, 2026 *
Primary home address (number and street) *
City or town *
Zip code *
Your cell phone number *
School you attend at the end of the 2025-2026 school year:  Write "Brookline High School" or the name of a different school you attended. *
School Programs you participate in (these are not clubs or classes) *
Required
Name of school employee serving as your reference.  Be sure you have asked them in advance and that they have confirmed. *
Email address of school employee serving as your reference. *
Name of a caregiver/parent who approves of you doing this program. *
Email address of caregiver/parent who approves of you doing this program. *
Cell phone number of caregiver/parent who approves of you doing this program. *
OPEN RESPONSE #1: Why do you want to participate in Growing Empowerment?  What about this Program interests you? Write at least 3 sentences.  [It is strongly recommended that you write this first on a doc or paper.] *
OPEN RESPONSE #2: This is a participatory program, and it is understood that everyone has a different style and level of comfort participating in groups.  Describe your comfort, and your willingness, to share ideas in a group setting.  [It is strongly recommended that you write this first on a doc or paper.] *
OPEN RESPONSE #3: Briefly describe your identity and a little bit about yourself. What else should we know about you, including about your comfort and attitude towards working outdoors in a garden during the summer?   [It is strongly recommended that you write this first on a doc or paper.] *
Please confirm the following: *
Required
A copy of your responses will be emailed to .
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