First-gen Everett student accepted to several New England Ivy League schools

Special to The Advocate

It’s that time of year again. Students at Pioneer Charter School of Science (PCSS) in Everett are beginning to receive college acceptance letters. In the case of Moses Gebregziabher, acceptances are pouring in, notably from MIT, Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts and Boston University. This achievement is the culmination of a rigorous application process that involves extensive research, personal essays and interviews.

Gebregziabher is a 17-year-old senior from Everett. A first-generation college student planning on majoring in Mechanical Engineering, he has been recognized for his academic achievements by being inducted into the National Honor Society.

“All of my life, I have been fascinated by the field of STEM,” said Gebregziabher. “Through PCSS, I found my passion for technology and engineering, and the rigorous structure and classes pushed me to achieve and reach higher in a way that has prepared me for my future in college.”

Alongside his academic pursuits, Gebregziabher has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to various extracurricular activities. He has served as an Altar Server each week for his local church, played a pivotal role in PCSS’s National Honor Society as an Outreach Coordinator, volunteered to help prepare a middle school for post-COVID classes and acted as a peer mentor for PCSS first-year students. He also interned at Cambridge Health Alliance, gaining invaluable experience in the mental health field.

In addition to his impressive Ivy League acceptances, Gebregziabher has received acceptance letters from a diverse range of institutions, including Boston College, Tufts University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Wentworth, UMass Amherst & Boston, Stonehill College and Merrimack College. “These accomplishments hold a deep meaning to me, especially as a first-generation student,” said Gebregziabher, reflecting on his journey. “With these opportunities, I can explore my passions to the fullest and become an amazing engineer.”

The mission of PCSS is to prepare educationally under-resourced students for today’s competitive world. Through a rigorous academic curriculum emphasizing math and science, PCSS will help students develop the academic and social skills necessary to become successful professionals and exemplary community members. Balanced by a foundation in the humanities, a character education program, career-oriented college preparation, and solid student-teacher-parent collaboration, PCSS will meet its mission.