Program Background
In July 2002, the City of Boston and the Allston-Brighton community lost one of its shining stars when City Councilor Brian Honan passed away unexpectedly at the age of thirty-nine.

In an effort to memorialize him, the West End House Boys & Girls Club in Allston, with the support of Councilor Honan’s friends and family members, developed a program for young people that will perpetuate his memory and continue his life’s work of public service.

The Honan Fellowship is an initiative that empowers youth from across Boston to become engaged and influence change in their community, develop leadership skills, and stimulate an interest in public service.   Fellows learn about government and politics, identify neighborhood concerns, complete service projects, and meet with public officials and advocates.  The program includes a paid summer internship in a community agency or government office and ends with a community action project to create change in Boston.

Fellows will be interviewed and selected around September and will attend orientation in December.  From January to June, participants will attend weekly workshops at the West End House to discuss policy, access to services, and community challenges and visit the State House and City Hall.  Students will complete summer internships and lead a community action project in the fall to complete the program. learn more>