On 16 May, Citisoft marks an important milestone as our first scholar, Evan Lewis, graduates from Lasell University. Evan’s graduation represents the culmination of a four-year scholarship journey designed to provide sustained support, stability, and opportunity for high-potential students navigating higher education.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with Youth Guidance – a national non-profit that works with students across the country through school-based programs focused on academic success, mentorship, and social-emotional development – the Citisoft Scholars Program annually awards a scholarship to a deserving student for the full duration of their undergraduate degree.
The program was intentionally designed as a long‑term commitment, providing continuity, stability, and encouragement across the complete academic journey.
Beyond tuition support, scholars benefit from access to Citisoft employees, mentorship opportunities, as well as an additional support fund contributed to by employees. The aim is not only to remove financial barriers, but to provide continuity as scholars progress through college and prepare for life beyond graduation.
As Youth Guidance notes, sustained support, belief, and opportunity are critical in helping young people reach long-term milestones such as college graduation:
“Evan’s achievement reflects his hard work, resilience, and the strength of the community around him. Through the Citisoft Scholars Program, he’s not just receiving financial support, he’s gaining a team that believes in his potential and is walking alongside him as he takes this next step. That’s powerful.”
— Shawn Brown, executive director, Youth Guidance Boston
Beginning his college career in 2022 at Lasell University, Evan Lewis majored in Sports Management. During his undergraduate career, he completed an internship in his field, which he identifies as a formative experience, alongside coursework in Sport Administration and Parks and Recreation that helped shape his academic and professional direction.
Looking ahead, Evan plans to build on these experiences as he begins the next chapter of his career following graduation.
“I picked Sports Management as my major, and the internship that impacted me the most was the Dorchester YMCA. Courses like Sport Administration and Parks and Recreation really helped shape my path."
— Evan Lewis
During his time at Lasell, Evan explains that the Citisoft Scholars Program provided both practical and personal support—helping to ease financial pressure while also opening access to a broader professional network.
“Citisoft connected me with people who helped me in college through networking, and it took the burden off my shoulders when it came to things like paying for books.”
Reflecting on what he would share with future scholars, Evan emphasizes growth, wellbeing, and confidence:
“Allow yourself to learn and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take care of yourself as well.”
Evan’s graduation marks the first milestone in what the Citisoft Scholars Program is designed to be: a sustained commitment to supporting talented students through college and into the opportunities that follow.
“When we launched the Citisoft Scholars Program, we were deliberate about building something long‑term—something that would support students through the full arc of their undergraduate journey. Seeing Evan graduate brings that intent to life. It reinforces our commitment to continuing this program in the years ahead, working alongside Youth Guidance to support future scholars as they navigate college and take their next steps beyond it.”
— Tom Secaur, Chief Operating Officer, Citisoft
Youth Guidance is a national non-profit that creates and implements school-based programs that enable youth to overcome obstacles, focus on their education, and succeed in school and life. Its flagship programs, BAM and WOW, serve more than 15,000 students annually in nearly 200 schools across Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.