North Bennet Street School Announces Corey J. Allen as 2025 Commencement Speaker

Boston, MA – May 1, 2025 – North Bennet Street School (NBSS) proudly announces Corey J. Allen as the keynote speaker for the Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony. The event will take place on Friday, May 30 at the historic Old North Church in Boston’s historic North End neighborhood.

A proud Boston native, Allen brings a deep commitment to educational equity, hands-on learning, and career readiness across sectors. He currently serves as the inaugural Director of Industry Partnerships at Boston Plan for Excellence (BPE), where he connects students with transformative learning experiences and career opportunities.

“Corey has long been a champion for expanding access to education in the trades,” says Claire Fruitman, NBSS Provost & Interim President. “He brings a powerful perspective on the importance of bridging classroom learning with real-world experience, and so we’re thrilled to have him as our 2025 speaker.”

A member of the NBSS Board of Advisors, Allen has facilitated student tours of active construction sites and worked to broaden awareness of skilled trades education. His professional background spans education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, including a role in compliance at Suffolk Construction.

The commencement ceremony marks a meaningful transition for NBSS graduates, who carry forward the School’s tradition of craftsmanship, excellence, and purpose-driven work. Allen’s address is expected to inspire the newest class of artisans and tradespeople as they step into their careers.

“It’s an honor to return to NBSS for this important milestone,” Allen shares. “The School’s mission to train people for meaningful work is one I deeply believe in. I look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025 and their bright futures ahead.”

Nearly 100 students will graduate from NBSS this year, joining a vibrant network of over 4,000 alumni around the globe. While the ceremony is closed to the public, a livestream will be available via YouTube.

About North Bennet Street School (NBSS)
As America’s first trade school, NBSS is internationally recognized for its immersive programs and intensive training environment, where talent is nurtured, skills are honed, and lives are transformed.

Since 1881, the School has helped people build meaningful lives and livelihoods through hands-on education, expert instruction, and a commitment to excellence. Career training programs include Bookbinding, Carpentry, Cabinet & Furniture Making, Jewelry Making & Repair, Locksmithing & Security Technology, Piano Technology, Preservation Carpentry, and Violin Making & Repair. NBSS also offers more than 180 short courses annually for students of all levels.

Founded in Boston’s historic North End as a settlement house for immigrants, NBSS has a long history of providing transformative education and training. Deeply rooted in the community, the School supports career discovery for youth, preservation partnerships with civic organizations, and public engagement through exhibitions and events. Today, NBSS proudly continues its mission to preserve and advance traditional crafts and trades.