Watts 2 Boston is an organization founded for the purpose of helping kids in Watts, California to get into college and also provides opportunities. Kendra Baker, a junior, is a co-leader of the Watts 2 Boston Club at Montrose and shared her inspiring story about what prompted her to become involved.

Callie Jeffery: What is Watts 2 Boston?

Kendra Baker: Watts 2 Boston is an organization that helps kids in Watts, California. Watts is overrun with gang violence, and half of the people who grow up there live there for their whole lives. By supporting kids with college opportunities and basic necessities, we strive to break that cycle of violence.

CJ: How does Watts 2 Boston support the members of Watts?

KB: The organization is aware that a college education can help kids break the generational cycle of violence and poverty, so it supports students with scholarship money. It also sponsors some juniors to travel to Boston and tour schools. It supplies basic necessities, like clothing and money for food, as well as prom dresses and other items the kids in Watts may not have access to.

CJ: What made you interested in this?

KB: My sister started the club 2 years ago after a talk when Mrs. Mulvey, the leader and founder of Watts 2 Boston, came to talk to us. She started the club with a prom dress drive, and last year I took it over and ran a necessities drive as well as a few others. This year, Natalia Petruzziello ‘26 and I are leaders and we hope to gain even more club members this year.

CJ: What’s the most amazing part about Watts 2 Boston for you?

KB: Definitely the sense of community that is fostered. For example, I don’t know any of these people in Watts personally, and they don’t know me, but we have this mutual respect. My favorite part about Watts 2 Boston is that it emphasizes how we’re all human and we deserve the same things and opportunities. We also have a pen pal in Watts which has been really cool to make an individual impact. 

CJ: What are ways that we can help?

KB: Joining the club is the best to make an impact ,because you’ll get experience making a direct impact. But even if you can’t make that commitment, it’s always great to donate to the necessities and prom dress drives that we host. Overall, it’s great to be involved with the club and organization to inform yourself about the needs of Watts.

By joining the Watts 2 Boston club at Montrose, you’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact. I hope this encourages you, as it did me, to give back to others through the club!

By Callie Jeffery ‘26, Contributing Writer

26cjeffery@montroseschool.org