TPA History

The People’s Academy is a grassroots non-profit 501(c)(3) organization for training, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship currently located at Sumner Park, Dorchester, MA. TPA’s focus is on training both at-risk youth and unemployable adults, as skilled craftsmen in the building and trade industry. Our goal is to give our students a way to utilize entrepreneurial opportunities, which have the potential for economic growth and self-sufficiency, as well as, project management, consulting, and the implementation of best practice processes and solutions. Our client base consists of small and medium-sized businesses, private homes, and local, state, and federal government organizations. 

The People’s Academy has operated out of the home of the President, T. Micheal Thomas, at 8 Sumner Park for the past seven years. The People’s Academy, Inc. headquarters is a consolidated three-story home. The TPA Executive Office is located on the third floor. The workshop, where the tools and supplies are located, is in the basement of this home. In TPA’s current location, only a limited number of trainees can participate in the training program. Without a dedicated building, TPA has been in an extended pilot program stage. TPA believes the site at 436 Warren Street, 7-9 Quincy Street, and 20-22 Glenburn Street (Roxbury) would be a perfect location for our program.