THE U-PROJECT

What is the U-Project?

A diverse group of eight young adults and two women teacher smiling and holding certificates in a room with a high ceiling and a stained glass circular window in the background.

The U-Project is a unique initiative that empowers high school students to design and implement community-passion projects. From art installations to tech innovations, we provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help teens turn their ideas into reality.

Our goal is to foster creativity, leadership, and a sense of responsibility in the next generation of changemakers.

Funding: We provide grants to support project costs.
Mentorship: Students receive guidance from experienced mentors.
Community Impact: Projects are designed to benefit the community and inspire others.

I Want to Apply

Read the Guidelines

“Being part of the U-Project at Danny’s Place has been an incredible experience! It helped me learn new things, not just about the specific project I worked on, but also about sharing my ideas and expressing myself. I’ve grown more confident in speaking up, contributing in group settings, and trusting that what I bring to the table matters. At first, the meetings with Fetch and our group felt nerve-racking. But through this process, with the support and mentorship through this program, I learned to push past those thoughts and focus on the work I’ve done. If I were to share this experience with others, I’d talk about how the feeling you get to pursue something you’re passionate about, supported by a group that truly wants you to succeed. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. They gave their time, energy, and encouragement to help me grow.”

- U Project Participant

A cute cartoon bird with large eyes and a small orange beak, drawn with black and yellow lines, is standing with a speech bubble next to its beak.

U Project - FAQ

Mentorship and funding will begin January 12, 2026.
Projects wrap up by June for a presentation at our Spring Showcase on June 4, 2026.
While uncommon, non-graduating participants can extend their project timeline in discussion with U-Project mentors. Mentors may also suggest that participants elect to extend their U-Project, depending on the scope and need. Anyone looking to expand their project timeline and requires additional funding beyond their initial grant must reapply for the U-Project in the next application cycle.
We fund projects up to $1,000, but the specific amount will vary depending on your project needs and total grant funds available.
Unfortunately, we only fund in-progress or new projects. We do not provide grant funds for purchases made before the start of the current U-Project cycle.
Monthly one-on-one and peer mentoring meetings with Cindy and Hannah at Danny's Place (543 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA 01720).
Workshops with community partners.
Open office hours on Thursdays after school.
Unless otherwise noted, all workshops and mentoring meetings will occur at Danny's Place (543 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA 01720).
Workshops and peer mentoring meetings are scheduled on half-day Mondays from 1:45 to 3:00 PM, following the Acton-Boxborough District Calendar from December 15, 2025, through May 2026.
One-on-one mentoring meetings with Cindy and Hannah are scheduled on half-day Mondays or Thursdays after school, depending on participant availability.
Accepted participants will receive a calendar of mandatory dates at the Welcome Meeting.
Email uproject@dannys-place.org and we will get back to you!

Complete theU-Project application by November 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Sign up for a 20-minute interview slot (link in the application).
Local high schoolers in grades 9-12 in the Acton-Boxborough area. You must be able to attend monthly meetings at Danny's Place (543 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA 01720) on half-day Mondays per the Acton-Boxborough District Calendar from 1:45-3:00 PM starting December 15, 2025.
We accept applications from both individuals and groups.
Please review our U-Project Guidelines for detailed information on project requirements.
- Application closes November 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
- Internal team reviews applications.
- U-Project Mentors Cindy and Hannah interview applicants on December 1, 2025, or December 4, 2025 (sign-up link in application)
- Decision letters emailed on December 10, 2025.
- Welcome Meeting for accepted participants will be held on December 15, 2025, at Danny's Place (543 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA 01720) from 1:45 to 3:00 PM.
- Applicants will meet with U-Project Mentors Cindy and Hannah in 20-minute interview slots. The goal of the interview is to get to know you better as an applicant and learn more about your project ideas. We'll share details about the U-Project process and answer any questions you may have. Please come prepared to discuss your application in detail and to answer any related questions.

Apply Now (applications are due on 11/15 at 11:59pm

I Want To Apply

Meet the U-Project Mentors

Close-up of a woman with short dark hair, smiling, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

Hannah is a mentor for the U-Project, where she loves helping teens unlock their potential. As a sounding board, project manager, and cheerleader, she guides her mentees on taking their ideas from initial concepts to fully actualized projects. With a background in education, Hannah is passionate about empowering youth and finds great joy in supporting their growth and development through the U-Project.

Cindy McCarthy - Mentor

A woman with glasses wearing a pink shirt, smiling outdoors with solar panels and a house in the background.

Hannah Perry - Mentor

Hannah is a mentor for the U-Project, where she loves helping teens unlock their potential. As a sounding board, project manager, and cheerleader, she guides her mentees on taking their ideas from initial concepts to fully actualized projects. With a background in education, Hannah is passionate about empowering youth and finds great joy in supporting their growth and development through the U-Project.