Above: Michael McDonough of Project DEEP, Bill O’Brien, Head Football Coach of Boston College, and Ryan McCarthy of Project DEEP. Front:Alex Nguyen and Aliya Lambright, 2026 student essay contest winners.
Project DEEP celebrated three decades of empowering and tutoring Dorchester’s kids and teens during its 30th annual awards ceremony held last Friday (May 8) at Florian Hall, highlighting a legacy of academic achievement, mentorship, and community service that has impacted thousands of Boston students. Boston College head football coach Bill O’Brien was the keynote speaker.
Volunteers tutors and “30 for 30” winners were recognized during Project DEEP’s 30th annual awards event held on Friday, May 8 at Florian Hall. Back row (l-r) Michael McDonough, Ryan McCarthy, Marty Connolly, Bill Richard, Representative Dan Hunt, Honorable Will Farrell. Front, l-r: Sean Connolly, Joe Connolly, Brendan McDonough, Sophia McDonough, Shaquille Worrell, Denise Richard, Luisa McDonough, Celia McDonough. Photo courtesy Project DEEP
Since its founding in 1996, the Dorchester-based nonprofit has served approximately 150 students annually through programs focused on academic excellence, leadership development, and civic engagement. Over the past 30 years, Project DEEP has continually expanded its curriculum to support the academic and social development of its students while maintaining what leaders describe as a “best-in-class” tutoring program powered by a dedicated corps of volunteer tutors.
Brendan McDonough, who founded the organization, reported that more than 1,000 summer camp scholarships have been awarded to students as incentives for academic achievement and community service over the last three decades. Students participating in Project DEEP programs have also completed more than 30,000 hours of community service throughout Dorchester.
Boston College head football coach Bill O’Brien, shown with Sophia McDonough, was the keynote speaker.
A major focus of the organization has been preparing students for admission to Boston’s competitive exam schools. Project DEEP estimates it has worked with some 2,000 students for exam school success while helping them develop analytical thinking skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Project DEEP has also advocated for hundreds of students seeking admission to top private and parochial schools, helping families secure millions of dollars in financial aid over the years.
To sustain and grow its programming, the organization has raised approximately $5.5 million from public, private, and nonprofit sources during its three decades of operation.
