Unlocking Bright Futures

The Yankee Scholarship Foundation Supports NBSS Student Growth and Secures Success

Every year, North Bennet Street School (NBSS) receives a generous grant from the Yankee Scholarship Foundation, providing vital scholarships to students in the Locksmithing & Security Technology (LK) program who demonstrate a passion for the craft and a commitment to their future careers. For the 2023-24 academic year, three deserving graduates each received a scholarship of nearly $7,000, helping them gain a transformative education aligned with their career goals.

Ginny Newbury, Yankee Board member and a member of the NBSS Program Advisory Committee for the LK program, highlighted the value of the partnership. 

“North Bennet Street School is an excellent partner in the Yankee Scholarship Foundation’s directive to help train locksmiths for employment. The program exposes students to many of the opportunities and challenges they will face in the trade, and many of their graduates work throughout New England in institutional, commercial, residential, and automotive locksmithing.” 

She also underscored the benefits of the School’s alumni network, noting, “We see some alumni of the school with thriving businesses who are now hiring new graduates. ”

In this article, Asia Baker LK ’24 shares how the scholarship and the NBSS alumni network helped him to transition from a challenging life stage to a promising career in locksmithing.

Asia Baker LK ’24: From Service-Connected Veteran to Locksmithing Professional

At 57 years old, Asia Baker never thought he’d find himself starting a new career. A service-connected Army veteran from the Philadelphia area, he found himself seeking a new path after retiring in 2022. “I got bored sitting at home,” he says, “and wanted to find something I could do for the rest of my life.” Asia’s interest in locksmithing came naturally—it is a hands-on, problem-solving profession with endless opportunities for exploration, perfectly aligned with his skill set. Locksmithing also offered him a creative and professional outlet, allowing him to continue working despite physical challenges resulting from a scaffolding fall in 2013. 

“I’ve always wanted to start my own business, but due to my physical limitations, I had to choose something practical,” Asia explains. Locksmithing provided the perfect balance of mental challenge and hands-on work, with plenty of room for growth. Asia knew that education would be the key to transitioning successfully into this field. However, the financial burden of retraining posed a significant obstacle. Scholarship support from a variety of sources including the Yankee Scholarship Foundation made all the difference.

“The Yankee scholarship is a gateway to explore the many opportunities in locksmithing,” Asia shares. The financial support from the scholarship allowed Asia to focus entirely on his studies at NBSS and set him up to do his best work.

A Career Takes Off

Upon graduating from the Locksmithing & Security Technology program, Asia’s professional journey quickly gained momentum. He began working part-time as a subcontractor for the NBSS Facilities department—a position he’s incredibly grateful for. But his journey didn’t stop there. Asia also started working with local locksmith and NBSS alum Jonathan Nir LK ‘17 at Bolt Lock & Key in Brighton, servicing clients in Boston and the surrounding areas. His work is diverse, ranging from basic lock repairs to more complex security system installations.

Similarly, two of Asia’s classmates, Nhut “Andy” Nguyen LK ’24 and Antonio Sylvester LK ’24, also received the Yankee scholarship last year. Antonio, now a locksmith at prestigious Brandeis University, shared how impactful the funding was for him.“The scholarship allowed me to learn new skills and earn three certifications. It was incredibly helpful as it made me much more valuable in the job market.” 

Looking back, Asia emphasizes how crucial the scholarship was in getting his new career off the ground. “The exposure I gained through the scholarship was critical to advancing in this field,” he reflects. Not only did the financial support ease the transition into full-time locksmithing, but it also opened doors to connections and opportunities that might have otherwise remained out of reach.”

The Value of Community and Hands-On Experience

The Yankee Security Convention is a must-attend for locksmithing professionals. The annual meeting offers students access to industry trends, networking opportunities, and the latest innovations in the security world. NBSS students are encouraged to attend educational seminars, networking events, and trade shows, all of which are at no cost to students. NBSS assists students with the costs of attending.

Eddy Dacius LK ’13, the program’s Department Head and an experienced locksmith, notes, “Going to the Yankee Security Convention is a game changer; it not only gives you access to the latest insights but also connects you with experts and innovators who are shaping the future of security. For our students at NBSS and anyone new to this industry, it’s the best way to get a head start.”

For Asia, the chance to connect with other locksmiths and industry leaders was a highlight of his experience. “The convention allows you to see where the field is going and who’s leading it,” he says. “It’s a great way to stay ahead of the curve.” NBSS’s support in facilitating these opportunities ensures that graduates like Asia can continue to grow in their careers long after they’ve left the classroom.

A Bright Future Ahead

Asia’s journey from a retired veteran to a thriving locksmithing professional showcases the transformative power of education and community support. The Yankee Scholarship Foundation support was more than just financial assistance—it was a stepping stone toward a new career. Combined with the supportive network at NBSS, students like Asia gain both knowledge and confidence in their new careers. Now, with new careers underway and ambitious plans for the future, Asia and his fellow grads are living proof of how North Bennet Street School empowers students to unlock their potential.