Frequently asked questions ... and the answers!
What are the requirements to join TPZ?
- Students must be living in or going to school in Boston.
- Students must be a 2nd semester 9th grader or in 10th or 11th grade when starting at TPZ.
- Students must be at English Level 3 or above.
- Students can have an IEP plan in place with their school.
What are the benefits of joining TPZ?
- Students receive a stipend of at least $24 for each class attended.
- Some students may earn college credits through Ben Franklin Institute of Technology, Cambridge College, and Bay Path University. We’ll be adding more schools soon!
- Some students who take part during our school-day program may earn high school credits (ask if your school is one of the participating schools).
- Teens learn entrepreneurship skills like problem-solving and design thinking; STEAM and technical skills. They have opportunities to learn with local industry partners like Converse. They develop essential skills like growth mindset and relationship skills and learn to navigate career and college pathways.
If I'm 18 years old, do I need parent/guardian consent to enroll at TPZ?
- No. Parent/Guardian permission is only required for those students under age 18.
How do I enroll?
- Students complete an interest form that can be found HERE.
- A recruiter will reach out to you by phone or email to follow up and move forward with the next steps in the enrollment.
How often do I need to attend?
- Students meet two times a week for at least ten weeks. When they enroll, students can choose to meet on Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday for afterschool opportunities (4:00 – 6:30 p.m.).
- TPZ also partners with schools for opportunities during the day; ask our staff if your school participates in this program.
What time do I need to be at TPZ?
- Students meet during our afterschool program for 2.5 hours; each class from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Food and supplies are provided.
How long is the program?
- Each Eship term runs ten-12 weeks.
- We hope that young people will stay enrolled in The Possible Zone programs throughout their time in high school!
- You can attend term to term or take breaks.
- We offer not only Entrepreneurship courses, but Work-Based Learning, Internships, STEAM electives called Deep Dives, and College & Career Pathways experiences to help with the transition to career and college.
- Additionally, even after graduating from high school, our alumni have the opportunity to apply for our Launch program in TPZ Ventures.
How long does each term last?
- Each term lasts approximately ten to 12 weeks.
- Summertime Eship courses are shorter with classes held more days each week; these are approximately seven weeks long.
- Deep Dives are generally one to two weeks long.
Do I need to pay for project supplies?
- No. Students will have access to project supplies to launch their business.
How many students attend TPZ?
- Over our 12 year, The Possible Zone has served more than 1,200 young people.
- Our goal is to serve up to 1,000 per year by 2026.
If I'm in middle school, can I apply to enroll TPZ?
- While you won’t be able to attend until you are in high school, you may submit an Interest Form and we’ll stay in touch with you.
If I make money from my business, can I keep it?
- Yes! It’s your business!
Is transportation provided?
- No. Occasionally, specific Boston Public Schools coordinate with TPZ to arrange for transportation.
Is TPZ near the MBTA?
- We are conveniently located by the Jackson Square T stop on the Orange Line.
- We are accessible by the #22, #29, #14 and #41 bus routes.
Can students who are homeless--or those whose immigration status is not confirmed--enroll at TPZ?
- TPZ aligns with BPS policy regarding student participation in education–no family will be denied access to programming because of housing instability or their immigration status.
What is expected of TPZ students?
- Students must follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe, inclusive, and rewarding experience for all.