THE LEGACY

Established in 2008 and named in honor of Debbie and Ted Kelly, the KELLY Award provides educational support to young people of any age who are in empowering mentoring relationships and have overcome adversity. As President and CEO of Liberty Mutual and a former Mass Mentoring Partnership Board Chair, Ted helped significantly expand and improve the landscape of quality youth mentoring in Massachusetts and beyond. Generously supported by MMP, the Kelly Family Foundation, and Liberty Mutual, the KELLY Award has had a powerful impact over the last 15 years on the lives of young people engaged in positive mentoring relationships.

In recognition of MMP’s 30th year in 2022, this year’s KELLY Award is an educational gift of $30,000 that will be presented to two young people, nominated by a positive adult role model (i.e. mentor, after school program leader, volunteer, teacher, etc.) in their lives. The award is payable over 4-6 years and will underwrite educational pursuits that increase college opportunities and enhance college supports to ensure graduation. Past KELLY Award winners have used their awards to pay for college tuition, tutoring, or other expenses such as books, computer software or hardware, test prep, etc.

Award winners have come from a variety of programs across Massachusetts, including:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest
Center for Teen Empowerment
Boston Scholars
RAW Art Works
Children’s Friend and Family Services
Minds Matter Boston
John Andrew Mazie Memorial Foundation
Partners for Youth with Disabilities

2022 was the final year of the KELLY Award, and the recipients and their mentors were honored at MMP’s Journey to 30 Symposium & Celebration on November 10th at Encore Boston Harbor.

The Board and Staff of Mass Mentoring Partnership are deeply grateful to the KELLY Foundation and family for their generous support of the KELLY Scholars for whom this Award has been transformational!