Myra Kraft Transitional Year students celebrate start of school in style

Patriots owner Robert Kraft invites students to attend a game in a luxury suite

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Photo/Mike Lovett

Robert Kraft poses with students admitted to Brandeis through the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program.

Students admitted to Brandeis through the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program were treated to a New England Patriots game in luxury by team owner Robert Kraft Sept. 3.

The event had been on the calendar for a while, but it turned out to be especially timely -- the decision by a federal judge to overturn a four game suspension of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was announced earlier in the day.

"I think there was a judge in New York who knew you were coming, and I think it was because you were coming here that he decided to 'free Brady' today," Kraft said jokingly. "So thank you for that."

The transitional year program, established in 1968 and renamed in 2013 for Myra Kraft ‘64, the late Brandeis alumna and trustee and wife of Robert Kraft, provides small classes and strong support systems for high school graduates who have developed skills for college success through life experiences, but have had limited precollege academic opportunities.

For the past three years, Kraft has annually hosted a celebration for Brandeis students who are currently in the program or have completed it. This year, students were brought to Gillette Stadium to watch the Patriots' final preseason game from a luxury suite.

"It makes me feel very special to have you all here," Kraft said. "This is a great country we live in, and our family, we want to make sure everyone has a chance to get the benefits of the opportunities we have here. I think this program is something that tries to level the playing field. It's really an honor for me to host you."

Kraft heard about the program's impact first hand from Cesar Pineda '16, who completed the transitional year program in 2012. Introduced by Interim Brandeis President Lisa Lynch, Pineda reflected on the opportunity it had provided him and his family.

"MKTYP saw something in me and gave me a chance," he said. "MKTYP gave me this opportunity, but most importantly, it gave my parents the opportunity to send their child to college. My parents continue to smile through their struggles knowing I'm working hard to achieve my goals."

Each year, 20 students are admitted to Brandeis through the program, and since its founding, it has helped more than 1,200 students pursue a college diploma. For more information, visit the website for the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program.