Suffolk University and Nativity Preparatory School of Boston Announce Collaboration to Expand Educational Opportunities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON–Suffolk University and Nativity Preparatory School of Boston announced a collaboration that will expand access to graduate education for alumni of both institutions, while also providing greater academic and career support to underserved students.

Nativity Prep is an independent, tuition-free Jesuit school in Jamaica Plain for grades five through eight that serves boys from underserved and low-income families in Boston.

The agreement with Suffolk provides for two (2) full-tuition graduate scholarships per year for qualifying Nativity Prep alumni who enroll in Suffolk’s MBA program.

Suffolk will also provide mentorship opportunities, career advising, and other support to help ensure that Nativity Prep graduates succeed throughout their programs of study at Suffolk.

Nativity Prep will facilitate applications from Suffolk alumni to the Nativity Prep Teaching Fellowship program at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education & Human Development.  Two qualifying Suffolk University graduates will have access to preferred applications each year for that program, which includes room and board and stipends. 

“Suffolk University and Nativity Prep have missions that very much align,” said Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly. “We both put the highest value on creating greater access to educational opportunity. This collaboration is part of a commitment to increasing equity in education and doing all that we can to support students as they pursue their educational goals.”

Brian Maher, President of Nativity Prep, said the collaboration exemplifies the power of educational institutions working together for the greater good.

“At Nativity Prep, we are dedicated to guiding our students and helping them realize their potential of their God-given gifts,” he said. “This alliance with Suffolk University is a powerful extension of that commitment. By offering our alumni access to graduate education, mentorship, and real-world experience, we are helping them achieve their aspirations and ensuring they have the tools to lead with compassion, vision, and impact. This is about opening doors and hearts, creating a future filled with hope and possibility.”

“The partnership represents more than just an academic opportunity; it’s a catalyst for transformational change,” said Malik Richard, Vice President of Nativity Prep and a proud Suffolk University alumnus. “As someone who has walked this path, I know firsthand the doors that a Suffolk education can open. Through this collaboration, we’re not just providing access to graduate degrees—we’re empowering our graduates to redefine what’s possible for themselves and their communities. It’s about breaking down barriers and setting the stage for a future where leadership, equity, and impact are within reach for all.”

Xavier Etheridge, Director of Graduate Support at Nativity Prep, highlighted the long-term impact this partnership will have on students: “For many of our students, accessing higher education has been a distant dream due to financial and systemic barriers. By providing tuition-free graduate opportunities and mentorship, this initiative doesn’t just open doors—it shatters the barriers that have held them back. It’s more than just a scholarship; it’s a chance to break the cycle of limitation and forge a new path of opportunity. This partnership is a game-changer for our graduates.”

Sarjeic Camillo, a Nativity Prep alumnus and current senior at Suffolk University, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “Having benefited from Nativity Prep’s College Promise Program, which has been instrumental in easing the cost of my college education, I’m truly inspired by this new initiative. Seeing this partnership take shape gives me a clear path to earning a master’s degree at Suffolk, which has been a dream of mine. This opportunity is incredibly motivating, and I am excited to take the next step in my educational journey.”

Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities

The partnership reaffirms both institutions’ dedication to empowering students and providing them with the tools to shape a more equitable future.

The agreement is set for four years, with the possibility of renewal, ensuring that future generations of Nativity Prep alumni can benefit from life-changing opportunities that will equip them to lead and make lasting contributions to their communities.

About Nativity

Nativity Preparatory School of Boston, a tuition-free Jesuit independent school for grades 5-8, is committed to empowering young men from underserved communities to discover and fulfill their purpose through comprehensive, life-long support. With a foundation rooted in Jesuit values, Nativity Prep nurtures every aspect of its students’ development, preparing them for a bright and hope-filled future.

In its challenging academic environment, Nativity Prep students engage with complex and relevant subjects, fostering creativity, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. The school’s mission encourages students to grow in knowledge and character, instilling the values of inquiry, compassion, and service. Through this holistic approach, Nativity Prep creates an enduring brotherhood, shaping boys into young men with a solid moral framework that guides them throughout their lives.

As students transition from Nativity Prep to high school and beyond, the school’s commitment to their success remains unwavering. Nativity Prep supports its graduates in higher education, opening doors to opportunity and providing a clear pathway toward their personal and professional aspirations.

About Suffolk University

Suffolk University, located in historic downtown Boston, provides students with experiential and transformational learning opportunities that begin in the center of Boston, reach across the globe, and lead to extraordinary outcomes for graduates. The University is driven by the power of education, inclusion, and engagement to change lives and positively impact communities. Suffolk University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in its College of Arts & Sciences, Sawyer Business School, and Law School.

 

For more information, contact:

Malik A. Richard, Vice President for External Relations

Nativity Preparatory School Boston

Phone: (857)-728-0031 x115

Greg Gatlin at 617-573-8428, ggatlin@suffolk.edu

Gillian Smith at gillian.smith@suffolk.edu