At Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, it’s all about learning and earning.
Damien Leach, 24, didn’t grow up with a computer. “A lot of technology that was around, we could never really afford it,” says the Roxbury resident of Cuban ancestry. Yet, since an early age, Damien possessed a knack for fixing things, as well as a natural curiosity about technology.
Above all, he inherited from his mother, a relentless determination to overcome challenges and become the first person in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. “My mom always taught me throughout all those challenges, that I was gonna be a leader,” he said. “Even when I was unable to see it for myself, she would tell me that if I didn’t go to college, I wouldn’t be successful.”
Armed with his mother’s wisdom, Damien enrolled in Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT), a non-profit, private college in South End, when he was just a sophomore in high school through the college’s dual enrollment program. Damien excelled at BFIT, earning an Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Information Technology, the only degree of its kind in Massachusetts. Damien was also selected as the student speaker for the college’s 107th commencement ceremony.
His hard work and determination paid off. Today, Damien works full-time as a System Administrator at the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization. Damien is one of a growing number of young people who have chosen college degrees aimed at industries in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
“There are tremendous opportunities for young people in STEM fields, where we see continued growth of jobs and salaries,” said Anthony Benoit, BFIT President. “College students are paying closer attention to the return on investment in their college education. They realize that earning a degree in technology gives them a great chance for a solid job after graduation.”
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The Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America estimates that in the next few years, Massachusetts will have 300,000 openings for jobs that require education in STEM. In addition to IT, manufacturing is also growing rapidly in the U.S. with 600,000 jobs added over the past four years to bring the total to more than 12 million. “Most folks don’t realize that manufacturing is one of the top three components of the state’s economy,” said Benoit.
Georgetown University Center for Education and the Workforce reports that nearly 30% of Americans with associate degrees now make more than those with bachelor’s degrees. BFIT offers 11 associate degrees and four 1-year certificates in high-demand fields of technology, such as automotive technology, building technology, construction management, HVAC&R, mechanical engineering technology, opticianry, ophthalmic assisting, and technology business & management.
Unfortunately, in spite of this opportunity, only 13 percent of all STEM jobs in the U.S. are held by Hispanics and African-Americans combined, according to a 2013 report by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee.
BFIT’s student population is approximately 70% minority. The college is one of the most affordable private colleges in Boston, and it has not raised tuition in 3 years. It awards approximately $2 million per year in student scholarships. “We are committed to making a college education affordable and accessible for our community,” said Benoit.
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BFIT has been getting a lot of buzz lately. Gov. Charlie Baker delivered the commencement address at the college’s 107th commencement ceremony, his first as governor. And, last year, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh delivered his first commencement address at BFIT as mayor.
“Ben Franklin, its faculty, its leaders, and its students, are game changers,” said Gov. Baker. “For me, what this organization represents and what its alumni represent, are the very best of the Commonwealth of Mass. Ben Franklin is a crown jewel of the Commonwealth of Mass’s higher education system.”
BFIT Recognized for Supporting First Generation Students of Color in Higher Education
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology recently earned the Janus Award from Codman Academy, a charter public school in Dorchester. The Janus Award honors an institution that is committed to supporting first generation students of color in higher education. BFIT was also recognized for its dual-enrollment program Early Access to College, which enables students to earn college credit while still in high school. Previous award recipients include the College of Holy Cross and Bottom Line.
BFIT president Anthony Benoit received the award on behalf of the college from Mary Weber, President of Codman Academy’s Foundation Board during the school’s 11thcommencement on June 8 at the Boston Center for the Arts. Two Codman Academy graduates, Manuel Baez and Wilson Oller, will be attending BFIT in the fall semester.
“It is a great honor to receive this award from Codman Academy, a school that is so focused on community and leadership,” said Benoit. “Our institutions share a common goal of empowering young people to succeed through education.”
BFIT’s skills-based curriculum, strong industry partnerships, and innovative programs in STEM, make BFIT a vital part of Boston’s economy. The college places 90-percent of its graduates into jobs or further higher education, and approximately 70-percent of its students are minority.
Did you know?
BFIT owes its existence to Benjamin Franklin. The college was founded directly from Franklin’s bequest of £1000 in 1789 to “the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston,” believing that “good apprentices would are likely to make good citizens.” Franklin’s legacy thrives at BFIT where generations of technical apprentices have received their education.
