Patrick McDermott grew up on Taylor Street in Quincy with his younger brother Chris. Through his parents, Charlie and Patricia, Patrick learned the values of hard work, commitment and leadership by taking initiative and setting an example.Throughout his childhood, Patrick worked hard, balancing both choir and academics at Boston Archdiocesan Choir School, and then moving on to attend BC High.Without a choir to pursue his musical talent at BC High, Patrick turned to sports. When the experience of the other students did not allow him to make the team, Patrick did not let that discourage him… he took the lead and created his own intramural football team.
Every Child Deserves a Head Start
The science is clear: several studies, including one at our own MIT, found that every single dollar spent on early education produces thirteen dollars in societal benefits down the line. It’s not only the smartest investment we can make, it’s the most important. Pat is committed to quality pre-K available in every part of the Commonwealth.
Teaching Our Next Generation
We cannot build the next generation economy without educating the next generation to be prepared for it. The Department of Education listed 73 schools as underperforming last year. That is tens of thousands of students whose only mistake is the bus they take. Pat’s proposal will set a strict mandate for underperforming schools while beefing up state investment to turn them around.
Let’s Make College Affordable
As the hub of higher education, Massachusetts should take the lead in putting students to work in the professions they are so passionate about. Pat’s plan is to create competitive job training programs at every single public college and university. These programs will team students with Massachusetts employers, jump starting on our economy on both ends.