Boston Scholars is a group of young professionals, who recognized that for many at-risk youth, the only obstacles standing in the way of private education are financial and supportive resources. So they created BSP to provide scholarships and mentors to meritorious high-school students in Boston from low-income families, who receive a scholarship to attend an independent school of their choice. Scholars and mentors meet for two hours twice a month to discuss educational goals, leadership issues, community service, and extracurricular activities. Where needed, the Scholars receive tutoring, college preparation, and summer job opportunities. Ambitions are high: BSP expects 90% to graduate high school within four years, a 95% college acceptance rate, and over 90% of the students to attend college. Big Brothers of Massachusetts Bay provides mentoring infrastructure, and BSP has developed strong sponsorships and funding opportunities with national corporations and foundations. Though the program is still in early stages, for the 2004-05 school year, 20 Scholars, making up the Classes of 2008 and 2009, were selected, awarded scholarships, and matched with mentors. BSP hopes to increase to 32 Scholars for the Class of 2010 and have received 65 applications. If you’re attracted to early-stage growth opportunities, here’s one to try.