Loving The Yankee Scholarship Foundation Support: Supporting NBSS Student Growth and Success
Every year, North Bennet Street School (NBSS) receives a generous grant from the Yankee Scholarship Foundation, providing vital scholarships to students in their Locksmithing & Security Technology (LK) program who demonstrate a passion for the craft and a commitment to their future careers. Last year, and 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, long time and now retired 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.”
Ginny 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. ”
Meet Asia Baker LK ’24
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,” Asia shares.
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.
Pictured above Asia, Andy, and Antonio
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 NBSS 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, with a little help from the generosity of the Yankee Security Convention.
More about North Bennett Street School
NBSS was founded in 1881 as North Bennet Street Industrial School. Their founding mission was to enable immigrants to adjust to their new country by learning the skills needed for gainful employment. In the past, they’ve offered a variety of vocational training courses, such as pottery, printing, sewing, sheet metal work, and watch repair. Though their programs may have changed, they retain a core commitment to train individuals for employment using time-honored methods and skills. For more on NBSS, click here.
More about the NBSS Locksmith & Security Technology Program
The North Bennett Street School’s comprehensive Locksmithing & Security Technology program allows students to work in the field even as they develop critical skills. In the hands-on, nine-month program students study with an experienced locksmith in small classes. The program provides a firm grasp of the fundamentals and can enable you to do high-quality work after graduating. Students learn locksmithing through a combination of classroom theory, lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on benchwork, surveying, and installation.
Students graduate with the ability to service and repair all types of residential and commercial door-locking devices; and be familiar with security technology such as electronic access control systems. The program space includes individual benches for each student, a room for instruction and demonstration, a resource library, and all the major equipment and tools you would find in a locksmithing shop. Classes meet five days a week in the mornings, and in your second semester, you can work part-time while continuing to learn the trade in class.
For more information, click here.
“Securing the Modern World” with Yankee Security Convention
Whether you’re a seasoned security professional or new to the field, the Yankee Security Convention 2025 is the place to stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re ready to “secure the modern world.”
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Save the Date and Note the Date Changes: 2025 Show Runs from Tuesday – Saturday!
Mark your calendar for October 21–25, 2025, and join us in Springfield, MA, for a transformative experience. Stay tuned for registration details, speaker announcements, and more updates as we approach the event. Together, let’s explore how we can meet the challenges of securing a rapidly changing world.
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For more about the Yankee Security Convention, visit the website at www.yankeesecurity.org.
Source: Originating content for this article courtesy of North Bennett Street School.
Unlocking Bright Futures – North Bennet Street School