Union Capital’s Partnership with Albert D. Holland School of Technology
In the second of our partner organization series, where we highlight the incredible work of our community partners, we are focusing on Albert D Holland School of Technology, an innovative institution committed to empowering students through technology-driven education and career pathways.
Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Dos Santos, a dedicated leader at Holland Tech High School, whose mission centers on strengthening parent and family engagement.
With a commitment to making families feel welcomed, supported, and cared for, Ms. Dos Santos works tirelessly to connect the school community with essential resources, including SNAP, MassHealth, and housing assistance.
Q: Can you give us a brief overview of Holland High and the work that you do with students and the community?
Holland Tech High School, formerly known as Jeremiah Ebert High School, was recently renamed after Dr. Albert D. Holland, a principal who made significant changes within the school in the 1990s.
We’re excited to move forward as a pioneer school for BPS, focusing on integrating more technology into classrooms and offering various tech-based courses. Our students are now exploring areas like design, visual communications, coding, Adobe software, and other tech programs through our Design and Visual Communications (DVC) pathways.
Our school is also part of BPS's new structure, combining middle and high school grades, so we now serve students from grade 7 through 12.
In addition, we offer an ABA program that supports students on the autism spectrum and those with developmental needs.
Q: How long has the school been operating, and how did this partnership with Union Capital come about?
Holland High has a long history; the building has been around since the early '50s or '60s, with graduates going back as far as the class of ’62. As for our partnership with Union Capital, it began thanks to the vision and dedication of former principal Dr. McIntyre, who was passionate about providing resources and opportunities for Holland High families and students.
Recognizing the potential impact of Union Capital’s App and program, she reached out to establish the collaboration, ensuring that her school community could benefit.
Today, Union Capital helps us address important goals like improving attendance and family engagement by providing students with incentives to get involved.
Q: Could you share some collaborative projects or events that Union Capital has worked on with your school?
Union Capital has been incredibly supportive. They table at our back-to-school events and open houses to engage families and introduce them to the Union Capital program. They’re also joining our upcoming pep rally to talk directly with students. Whenever we need support in recruiting families for events, Union Capital steps in. Their presence has helped promote family involvement and student engagement, and they even offer rewards like gift cards for student participation in school activities.
Q: How has this partnership impacted your school’s ability to connect with the community?
Union Capital has had a positive impact, especially on our students. They’re motivated to participate more—whether it’s helping with events, joining sports, or volunteering—because they can earn points that lead to rewards. This has fostered a stronger culture of involvement and responsibility among our students.
Q: Do you have a network coordinator from Union Capital supporting your school?
Yes, we’ve had the wonderful support of Connie Forbes for several years. Even though her child has graduated, she continues to advocate for Holland High. She connects us with resources, brings in senators and officials, and helps us secure grants and scholarships. For example, thanks to her networking, we were able to introduce an aviation program, where students learn piloting basics and even get flight experience. This kind of opportunity is unique to our school, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
However, currently, the Network Coordinator (NC) position at Holland High is vacant. We are in the process of transitioning to a new school family liaison, who plays a key role in connecting with families and running the family council meetings. This transition is the reason the NC position hasn’t been filled yet.
Union Capital is actively working with the school to identify a parent leader who might be interested in taking on the NC role. The NC serves as a critical link between Union Capital and the Holland High community, helping to connect families and students to the resources and programs UC offers.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited to collaborate on with Union Capital?
Definitely! We’re preparing for our Thanksgiving basket donation, where we’ll be distributing baskets to 100 families in our school community. Union Capital will be there to assist, as they have in past years, working alongside our parent council to assemble the baskets. They’ve supported us not only with attendance initiatives but also with hands-on volunteer support for events that help our school family thrive.
We’re thrilled to partner with such an innovative school that brings out the best in its students and enriches the community through its forward-thinking approach.
Holland High’s commitment to empowering young minds with skills for the future while also creating a supportive environment for families truly aligns with our mission at Union Capital. We look forward to continuing our work together and supporting their inspiring initiatives that make a lasting impact on students’ lives.
*Although Ms. Dos Santos has since moved on from her role at Holland High, her dedication to the school community and the initiatives she fostered continue to make a lasting impact.*