Cheryl is pictured with her mentor, retired teacher Agnes Steven,
who founded School on Wheels of Southern California in 1993
after observing hundreds of children on the streets
in Los Angeles and learning their families were living out of cars on Skid Row.
By Ruthann S Baler
“Take it From Them” profiles community leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and artists who have inspired change, brought communities together, and made valuable contributions to their professions.
School on Wheels of Massachusetts (SOWMA) is a private, nonprofit 501 (C) (3) organization that supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of students in grades K-12 who are impacted by homelessness. SOWMA was founded in 2004 by teacher and child advocate Cheryl Opper after she read a magazine article featuring Agnes Stevens, a retired teacher in Southern California who saw hundreds of children on the streets in Los Angeles during school hours. After learning their families were living out of cars on Skid Row, Agnes and a group of friends gathered books and school supplies and helped the parents enroll their children in school. The group provided school uniforms, filled backpacks, and tutoring, which led to the founding of School on Wheels.
Inspired by this activism, Cheryl set out to bring School on Wheels to Massachusetts. Within several months, she started SOWMA from the kitchen of her Easton, Mass. home. Family and friends helped fill backpacks with donated school supplies for 20 children living at two family shelters in neighboring towns.
Today, SOWMA distributes approximately 7,000 backpacks each school year to homeless students living in 38 Massachusetts communities. Along with donated backpacks, hundreds of trained volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring to approximately 300 students at 18 program locations from Boston to Massachusetts’ east coast. SOWMA’s Bridge Mentoring Program provides nearly 100 high school and college-age students with financial support and mentors who guide students throughout their high school careers and into their post-secondary plans, including college, vocational training, and job placements. SOWMA’s core program areas include backpacks/school supplies, tutoring/mentoring and post-secondary educational assistance. 
Cheryl Opper, founder of SOWMA, is pictured with former student Zach as they celebrate his graduation from
Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Mass. Zach received a scholarship from BSU, studied abroad for one year,
was inducted into the National Math Honor Society, and received his Chartered Financial Analyst license
while earning his MBA from the University of Houston.
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Five Bridge Mentoring Students began the 2022/2023 academic year
with additional financial support,
thanks to SOWMA donors Bill and Annmarie Harlor.
Last spring the Harlors initiated a supplemental "Soaring Scholars" program after volunteering as mentors
to a student facing incredible hardship during high school.
Seeing firsthand how their own mentorship experience changed the life and hope of this student,
the Harlors pledged $50,000 for the next five years with the hope of encouraging more students to
pursue their dreams of a brighter future.
If you would like to help usher a student through high school,
college or vocational training, or to learn more about our
mentoring services, click to see our Bridge Mentoring page or contact
Katie Young, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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If you would like to help usher a student through high school,
college or vocational training, or to learn more about our
mentoring services and Soaring Students Scholarship,
click to see our Bridge Mentoring page or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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We say "Congratulations!"
Hear what our 2022 student graduates have to say!
If you would like to help usher a student through high school,
college or vocational training, or to learn more about our
mentoring services and Soaring Students Scholarship,
click to see our Bridge Mentoring page
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April, 2022
We are honored and delighted to introduce a new Scholarship Program to further support students in our Bridge Mentoring Program as they set out to pursue their dreams and reach their potential. Our deepest gratitude to Bill and Annmarie Harlor for their confidence in our mission - and in our students.
Thank you. 
We would love to have you part of our village
to provide educational support to a Massachusetts
student experiencing homelessness.
If you would like to help usher a student through high school,
college or the trades, or to learn more about our
mentoring services and Soaring Students Scholarship,
click for our Bridge Mentoring page
~ or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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February, 2022
We love to follow our students as they set out to pursue their dreams and explore the world. As expected, many times careers ebb and flow as students embark upon their journey. Dorca's unfolding career tapestry is no exception. 
We would love to have you part of our village and pair you with a Massachusetts student experiencing homelessness. If you would like to help usher a student through high school, college or a trade profession, visit our Bridge Mentoring Program page.
