Dear Neighbors, Boston Planning & Development ...
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Dear Neighbors,
In the midst of a global pandemic, the importance of local community
cannot be overstated. Our connections and the care and support we
give to one another will see us through to better days. Harvard remains
steadfast in our commitment to making the world a better place
beginning right here. We will continue to pursue teaching, learning, and
research that will improve the way we live—and to provide opportunities
that will enable everyone to achieve their full potential.
The work we have done together over the past year provides inspiration
for the months ahead—from partnerships with nonprofit organizations
working in the very heart of Allston-Brighton, to the Harvard Ed Portal, to
Zone 3, to simple acts providing food, shelter, and comfort to those among
us who need it most. We are on the front lines, adapting quickly to support
and uplift individuals and communities in the grip of health crises, and we
are in it together—generously offering expertise in everything from youth
school programming and food delivery, to wellness sessions and virtual
exercise, to Zoom tutorials, legal services, and much more. These efforts
give me hope, and I hope they will do the same for you.
Harvard is honored to be part of this remarkable community.
Please take care—and stay safe!
All the best,
Larry
2019– Annual Harvard University’s
Report
Cooperation Agreements 7.1.2019 — 6.30.2020
2020
with the City of Boston
Estimados vecinos, Prezado vizinho, 亲爱的邻居,
Estando en medio de una pandemia Em meio à pandemia global, não 在全球大流行期间，地方社区的重要性怎么强
global, es imposible exagerar la devemos menosprezar a importância 调都不过分。我们彼此之间的联系、关心和支
importancia de la comunidad local. da comunidade local. Nossas conexões 持将帮助我们度过困难时期，回到更好的日
Nuestras conexiones y la atención y el e o cuidado e apoio que damos uns aos 子。从社区开始，哈佛一直坚持把世界变得更
apoyo que nos damos mutuamente nos outros nos levarão a dias melhores. Na 美好的承诺。我们将继续进行教学和研究，以
permitirán superar la situación para Harvard permanecemos firmes em nosso 改善我们的生活方式，并提供机会，使每个人
llegar a tiempos mejores. El compromiso compromisso de tornar o mundo um 都能充分发挥潜能。
de Harvard de hacer de este un mundo lugar melhor, começando aqui conosco.
mejor comenzando por el lugar y el Continuaremos a nos dedicar ao ensino, 我们在过去一年中共同完成的工作为今后几
momento presentes sigue tan firme como à aprendizagem e à pesquisa que visam 个月提供了灵感-：从与非营利组织合作在
siempre. Continuaremos dedicándonos melhorar a maneira como vivemos — e Allston-Brighton中心的工作到Harvard Ed
a la enseñanza, el aprendizaje y la dar oportunidades que permitirão a todos Portal，再到Zone 3，还有为我们身边最需要
investigación para mejorar nuestra forma atingirem seu pleno potencial. 的人提供食物、住所和安慰等等。我们一直身
de vivir y proveer oportunidades que 处最前线, 不断迅速调整以支持和提升卫生危机
permitan a todos alcanzar su potencial O trabalho que fizemos juntos no 下的个人和社区；我们与社区团结在一起，慷
pleno. ano passado nos inspira para os 慨地提供专业知识，从青年学校编程和食品配
próximos meses — desde parcerias 送、到健康介绍会和虚拟锻炼，再到Zoom辅
El trabajo que hemos hecho juntos com organizações sem fins lucrativos 导课、法律服务等等。这些努力给了我希望，
durante este último año, incluyendo que trabalham no coração de Allston- 我希望这些也给你们带来希望。
colaboraciones con organizaciones Brighton, até o Harvard Ed Portal, da Zone
sin fines de lucro que trabajan en el 3 a simples atos como propiciar comida, 哈佛很荣幸能成为这个杰出社区中的一员。请
corazón de Allston-Brighton, el portal abrigo e conforto para aqueles dentre nós 保重和注意安全！
Harvard Ed, la Zona 3 y actos simples que mais precisam. Estamos na linha de
tales como proveer alimentos, refugio frente, nos adaptando rapidamente para 一切顺利,
y consuelo a aquellos de nosotros que ajudar e elevar pessoas e comunidades 拉里
más los necesitan, nos brinda inspiración assoladas pelas crises sanitárias. Estamos
para los meses venideros. Estamos en el nisso juntos, oferecendo generosamente
frente, adaptándonos velozmente para nossa experiência em tudo, desde
respaldar y elevar a los individuos y a programação escolar para jovens e
las comunidades afectadas por crisis entrega de comida até sessões de bem-
de salud, y lo estamos haciendo juntos, estar e exercícios virtuais, tutoriais com
ofreciendo generosamente nuestra Zoom, assessoria jurídica e muito mais.
experiencia en diversas áreas tales como Esses esforços me trazem esperança e
programación escolar para jóvenes espero que também a tragam para você.
y entrega de alimentos, sesiones de
bienestar y ejercicio virtuales, tutoriales A Harvard tem a honra de fazer parte
de Zoom, servicios legales y mucho más. desta comunidade incrível. Cuide-se e
Estos esfuerzos me dan esperanza, y fique seguro!
espero que hagan lo mismo por usted.
Saudações,
Harvard se siente honrada de formar Larry
parte de esta comunidad notable. Por
favor cuídense, ¡y actúen con prudencia!
Les deseo todo lo mejor,
Larry
Lawrence S. Bacow
President of Harvard University
Annual
Report
July 2019 – June 2020
Harvard remains deeply committed
to its longtime partnerships with the
Allston-Brighton neighborhood and
the City of Boston.
What’s Inside
Harvard Ed Portal 2
Many of the ways in which the University, community, and City
Arts & Culture
collaborate are included as commitments in Harvard’s five
Workforce Development active cooperation agreements with the City of Boston:
Economic Development
Science Complex IMP Cooperation Harvard ArtLab
Health & Wellness
Cooperation Agreement Cooperation
Digital Learning & HarvardX For Allston
Agreement (7/10/14) Agreement
Youth Programming (4/2/08) (4/24/18)
Public School Partnerships
28 Travis Street Harvard Life Lab
Housing 18 Cooperation Cooperation
Agreement Agreement
(1/2/14) (4/8/16)
Public Realm 19
In addition to providing a comprehensive update on Harvard’s
Harvard Allston 20
commitments to the Allston-Brighton community, this annual
Partnership Fund
report highlights many of the exciting partnerships and
programs taking place throughout our shared neighborhood,
Partners 22
each and every day.
Public Information & Outreach 24
Local COVID-19 Response 26
Appendices 28
Appendix A: 28
Cooperation Agreement
Budget Overview
Appendix B: 30
Status of Cooperation Agreements
Appendix C: 36
Housing Stabilization Fund Update
Appendix D: 37
Community Programming Catalog
July 2019–June 2020
Annual Report
1
“Five years ago, when the Harvard Ed Portal opened its doors
at our new and expanded space at 224 Western Avenue, it
ushered in another phase of teaching, learning, and recreation.
The reenvisioned space has transformed the way we deliver
programming and events and is recognized as an inviting place
for everyone – kids, students, families, working professionals, and
lifelong learners – who comes to learn, share ideas, and connect
Five
with each other.
As we continue to embrace our diverse community with a place
where everyone is welcome, this year we had to adjust to a
years
new “virtual” world. The Ed Portal team remains committed to
connecting Harvard University and the Allston-Brighton community
– delivering innovative ways of exploring ideas and learning. With
programming shifting online due to COVID-19, the Ed Portal team
continues to provide many new kinds of engagement opportunities,
at
supporting our community so everyone can continue to learn and
find inspiration. This annual report highlights the work at the Ed
Portal and a few of the amazing individuals whom we have had the
224
privilege to get to know in person or virtually. The Ed Portal is more
than a physical space—we are a community of learners of all ages
and places in life.”
Western Robert A. Lue
Faculty Director of the Harvard Ed Portal
Avenue
Faculty Director and Principal Investigator, LabXchange
Professor of the Practice of
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Richard L. Menschel Faculty Director
of the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
p ro g r a m a r e a s
Arts & Culture Workforce Development
Economic Development Health & Wellness
Faculty Speaker Series Digital Learning &
HarvardX for Allston
Youth Programming Public School
Partnerships
f i v e y e a r s at
2 24 w e s t e r n av e n u e
( 201 5 - 2020 )
59
Harvard University
61
community partners
partners
1,100+
events hosted by the
30k+
participants in
Harvard Ed Portal Harvard Ed Portal
programs
1,400+
student placements
670+
scholarships and
in mentoring memberships provided
programs to community
Annual Report
members
3
Arts &
by t h e n u m b e r s
8k+ 32
t h e e d p o rta l
Culture
online
participants in participants in youth
arts events art programs
15
online events
Supporting a vibrant Allston-Brighton
through visual and performing arts, engaging 8 5
4k+
creative arts opportunities for youth, and live performances art exhibitions
capacity building for the creative community
17 21
participants in
virtual events
including Pop-Up!
local makers and artists participated
Portal Art Market
artists participated in in the online Pop-Up!
engagement
the Allston-Brighton Portal Art Market
Winter Market
Creative Economy
Pop-Up! Portal Art Market
Recognizing that local artists, musicians, makers, and
teachers faced new challenges stemming from widespread
event cancellations and lost gigs due to COVID-19, the
Harvard Ed Portal launched an online market to help
connect its network of creatives to the public. With
100% of proceeds going directly to artists through their
individual sales, the Pop Up! Portal Art Market was
designed to support the unique needs of the Allston-
Brighton creative community during the pandemic.
Performing Arts
A Far Cry at the Harvard Ed Portal:
The Golden Age of Film Noir
For the 5th time, the Harvard Ed Portal hosted
Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra, A
Far Cry, for a cross-disciplinary exploration in
October. Neighbors were welcomed to the Ed
Portal’s state of the art performance space for
a concert and discussion focused on music and
movies in Hollywood’s Film Noir era.
Community Connections
For longtime Boston resident Zone 3 at the Harvard Ed Portal Through Art
Sabrina Dorsainvil, the arts are a during the Allston-Brighton Winter
way of bringing the community Market in December. The market
together, exchanging ideas, and is an annual holiday event that
learning from one another. features local vendors, artisan Sabrina
“When I think about the arts, my
goods, and gifts in a festive
atmosphere with live music,
Dorsainvil
thoughts are with the people, food, drinks, and interactive art.
what moves them, and how they Dorsainvil’s mural set the scene
Boston-based Artist
interact with objects and the for the season and provided a
and Illustrator
environment,” she said. space for neighbors to come
together, reflect, and connect
Dorsainvil is a professional in civic with one another.
design, an artist, and illustrator
whose work centers around the “I deeply care about creating
human experience and includes something that resonates and
projects with local community captivates people,” Dorsainvil
organizations and nonprofits. said. “When I started thinking
about a vision for the Winter
Market mural, my first thought
I am so grateful to was to see how people interacted
this community. with the Ed Portal.
At first impression, I was struck by
One of her recent works, a mural the open space and the resources
entitled “Allston, I really love available to the public – there’s
you!” lives in Zone 3, a Harvard- a whole art studio there. I saw
sparked initiative that seeks to people coming in for classes,
connect the Allston-Brighton people of all ages talking to each
neighborhood to the University’s other, and it was just exciting
cultural and academic work and to know that the Ed Portal was
to activate Western Avenue with being utilized by so many. I tried
creative programs, events, and to create a mural that would
retail. The mural was created uplift and encourage these social
in collaboration with the local interactions.”
community – DEAF Inc., the
Horace Mann School for the Deaf Thousands of people attended
and Hard of Hearing, and the the Winter Market and stopped
Massachusetts State Association by to write notes around the
of the Deaf – and is intended mural, adding a tangible sense of
to reflect the diversity of the togetherness during the holidays.
neighborhood.
“I am so grateful to this
“The project was close to my community,” said Dorsainvil while
heart,” Dorsainvil said. “It was reflecting on her mural work. “I
a way of giving thanks to my got to be a part of a group of
community.” people who were open minded
and encouraged me to continue
Another mural centered on exploring what it means to be
Annual Report
bringing people together was human through my art.”
featured just up the street from
5
Workforce
by t h e n u m b e r s
29 39
t h e e d p o rta l
Development
online
career planning networking events
workshops for job seekers
25
online events
Providing innovative programming,
skills-based workshops, and Community
1,270 20
500+
participants Community
Scholarships to Allston-Brighton residents;
in workforce Scholarships to
setting individuals up for success at any
development Harvard Extension participants in
stage in their career
programs School offered to virtual events
Allston-Brighton
residents
f e at u r e d p r o g r a m s
Community Scholarships to Work, Power, and Flexible Marketing Social Change
Harvard Extension School Capitalism
Multivariable Calculus
were used by Allston-Brighton Beginning Screenwriting
residents to register in a Principles of Finance
variety of courses including: Economics for Business
Science of Coaching
Financial Accounting Psychology
Advanced Art of Principles
The Psychology of Close
Communication
General Chemistry Relationships
Advanced Digital Photography
Indigenous Political Struggle
Introduction to Comparative Since 1890
Politics
Introduction to Molecular and
Introduction to Medical
Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Communication Skills Workshop Series
During the past year, the Harvard Ed Portal hosted a series
of workshops designed to help individuals explore personal
communication styles and connect with different audiences.
The workshops covered public speaking, key elements of
effective verbal communication, and writing at work. A
four-session course, “Presentation Skills” provided a cohort
of Allston-Brighton residents lessons in public speaking and
ongoing training through LinkedIn Learning. A five-part
series of “Meeting Management” workshops addressed new
communication skills for virtual meetings.
Taking the Next Step, Together Joan Clifford and
Vahid Majidian
Members of the Harvard Ed Portal discovery and I learned about hiring
for the past year, Joan Clifford and networking practices in terms
and Vahid Majidian – both Allston of advancing within a company. Allston Residents
residents – have participated I employed what I learned to
in various programs that have communicate my interest in a new
enriched their personal and position, and I got the job. I believe
professional lives. the hiring managers took a chance
on me because I was able to show
“I grew up in Allston and have a lot drive and because of the LinkedIn
of family here,” Clifford said. “My Learning Certificate, which boosted
uncle recommended the Ed Portal my skills.
and I decided to pop in and see
it. Since then, my experience has That’s how I went from a role as a
been an incredible journey and I’m Data Coordinator to Project Analyst.
so grateful for it.” And because the program worked so
well for me, I recommended it to my
husband Vahid.”
The workshops were very
“With a background in construction,
engaging and interactive – I was looking to advance in my
career, particularly through skills-
we got a lot of personal time. based training that could help me
study for an upcoming exam,”
Majidian said. “The Ed Portal
As a young professional, Clifford gave me access to the training
signed up for the Ed Portal’s “Test through LinkedIn Learning and even
Your Career: Using Assessments extended it when I needed more
for Future Direction,” a series time with the material. I’m very
of workshops taught by Jane grateful for the help.”
McHale – a Brighton resident
and career coach – that provide
guidance on career direction
and practical tips for creating
and strengthening professional
networks. Building on that
experience, Clifford completed
the Master SQL for Data Science
program through LinkedIn
Learning, sponsored by the
Ed Portal.
“The workshops were very
engaging and interactive – we
got a lot of personal time,” she
said. “There was meaningful self-
Annual Report
7
Economic
by t h e n u m b e r s
19 $
40k+
t h e e d p o rta l
Development
online
economic in vendor sales
development classes
offered to local
generated during
the Allston-Brighton
4
online events
business owners Winter Market
Connecting the local business and
nonprofit community with programs
designed to promote success in a
dynamic 21st-century economy
1,524
subscribers to the
20
Harvard Allston 179
Ed Portal’s monthly Summer Corps high participants in
newsletters for school students virtual events
small businesses placed in Allston-
and nonprofits* Brighton nonprofits
*As of June 30, 2020
f e at u r e d p r o g r a m s
Economic Development Classes Develop Your New Business Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch
Startup Budget
QuickBooks Hands-On
From creating and financing
Grow your Business Through Workshop
a successful business to local
the Art of Networking
networking opportunities and SCORE Business Startup
strategy sessions, in the past year, How to Successfully Market Bootcamp
the Ed Portal offered an array and Grow Your Business
So, You Want to Become a
of classes for small businesses, Introduction to Grants Consultant
including the following: * Research for Nonprofits
Understanding Franchising–
Pre-certification Workshop, What’s Beyond the Glitzy
Massachusetts Operational Presentation
Services Division
*See Appendix D for a
complete list of classes
Resources and Programs for Local Small Businesses & Nonprofits
The Harvard Ed Portal remains committed to providing resources
and information to Allston-Brighton businesses and nonprofits
to support them in realizing their organizational goals and economic development newsletter
community-serving missions. Available resources include a hrvd.me/econdev-newsletter
wide range of trainings, information sessions, and networking
opportunities in coordination with community partners as well
as local, state, and federal government agencies. To access these
opportunities and timely information, sign up for the Harvard Ed nonprofit newsletter
Portal’s business and nonprofit focused newsletters! hrvd.me/nonprofit-newsletterFrom Main Streets to
Western Avenue
Alex Cornacchini
Executive Director,
Allston Village Main Streets
A year ago, when Alex Cornacchini businesses and promoting the “Allston has a diverse community of
took on the role of Executive physical and cultural diversity of artists,” Cornacchini said. “It’s great
Director of Allston Village Main Allston. Following the national to see the Ed Portal’s commitment
Streets, his thoughts were with Main Street Program’s four-point to supporting this creative and
the neighborhood and how to approach, the organization works to artistic life.”
promote the diverse slate of small ensure Allston is a great place to live,
businesses that make up the work, and own a small business. In addition to supporting the
commercial district. local art scene, the Ed Portal
“When the Ed Portal reached out offers networking opportunities,
to me, I thought it was a natural workshops, and economic
way to collaborate in advancing development classes to support
I was looking for new
the mission of Allston Village Main small businesses. “Some of the
opportunities to engage with Streets.” workshops – like those that focus
on doing business online and using
partners in the community. The Harvard Ed Portal offers a social media to generate sales – are
wide range of programming and particularly important to Allston
resources to advance the work businesses,” Cornacchini said.
“When I started this job, I was of local nonprofits and small “These are often mom-and-pop
looking for new opportunities businesses. The annual Allston- shops that could use this kind
to engage with partners in the Brighton Winter Market, for of specialized training to grow
community,” Cornacchini said. example, brings together thousands business.
“Partnerships are a great way of people, generating sales for local
to combine resources, share artists and makers. Recognizing As we continue to support Allston’s
expertise, and increase impact. the economic impact of COVID-19, businesses, our partnership with
There’s a lot of potential for particularly on artists, the Ed Portal the Ed Portal is welcomed – they’re
making connections and building launched a new online market, to offering much needed resources to
community.” help boost sales opportunities for a a community they are a part of and
talented network of creatives—many it’s meaningful to see that they have
Founded in 1996, Allston Village from Allston-Brighton. One hundred a stake in and want to preserve the
Annual Report
Main Streets’ mission is to percent of the purchase proceeds neighborhood.”
develop a thriving neighborhood go to supporting the participating
by providing resources to small artists.
9Health &
by t h e n u m b e r s
50 464
t h e e d p o rta l
Wellness
online
yoga and mindfulness participants in yoga
classes offered, and mindfulness
including yoga for kids classes
23
online events
Providing Allston-Brighton residents a variety
of programs designed to promote a healthy
37
lifelong learners
68
Harvard Athletics
body and mind as well as opportunities to
access Harvard recreational memberships,
participated
in technology
recreation
memberships
383
participants in
scholarships, and facilities workshops provided to Allston-
virtual events
Brighton residents
35
Harvard Athletics scholarships provided
to youth and adults in Allston-Brighton,
including basketball, soccer, strength and
conditioning, and swim and dive programs
f e at u r e d p r o g r a m s
Koru Mindfulness Series
The Harvard Ed Portal offered members the opportunity
to participate in a Koru Mindfulness series, an evidence-
based approach to mindfulness, meditation, and stress
management. Each session combined meditation, guided
practice and reflection, discussion, and home activities with
the goal of helping participants manage stress, improve
focus, and promote calmness.
Lunch and Learn:
Unlocking the Power of Your Smartphone
Lifelong learners were invited to explore different features
of their smartphones through an interactive workshop.
From adjusting phone settings to user-friendly tricks and
the chance to experiment with new apps, participants were
provided with approachable tools and techniques to help
them stay connected through technology.Staying Green, Staying Connected Michael and
Nancy O’Hara
For Michael and Nancy O’Hara, For the O’Haras, nature appreciation
being members of the Harvard isn’t just a hobby, it’s a value. “We
Ed Portal means being a part of are big recyclers,” said Nancy. Both Brighton Residents
the community – connecting with she and Michael have participated
neighbors and enjoying the variety in the Harvard Ed Portal’s Fixit
of events and programs that Clinic, where members can learn to
contribute to a general feeling of troubleshoot and repair household
wellbeing. items – anything from jewelry
to electronics. “You can bring
In November 2019, the Ed Portal something that doesn’t work, and
invited Allston-Brighton residents they have the tools and the experts
to a guided tour of Harvard to help you fix it. It is a great
University’s Arnold Arboretum. A program that we try to promote in
living museum containing more the community. We really appreciate
than 14,000 trees collected during the sustainability premise of the
the past century from Asia, Europe, clinic,” said Nancy.
and North America, the Arboretum
is one of Boston’s largest green But the O’Haras’ connections to the
spaces and draws approximately Harvard Ed Portal go beyond staying
250,000 visitors each year. green. Reflecting on the variety of
programming and events they’ve
attended – from art performances
It’s wonderful to have a place and public lectures to technology
workshops, Michael O’Hara said:
for the community to gather. “It’s wonderful to have a place for
the community to gather. The Ed
Free and open to the public, Portal is an open door – you walk into
the Arboretum engages people a friendly group of people who make
through programs for all ages. The you feel as though you’ve known
Ed Portal outing was designed to them forever. Everyone is so helpful
promote social gathering and the and gracious – and it’s a meaningful
health benefits of being exposed to way to break down barriers and give
nature. back to the community.”
“We had made the occasional trip
to the Arboretum before,” said
Nancy O’Hara. “But the group
tour was nice because we learned
something new from an expert
who provided historical context
and knew about the science of
plant life.”
Annual Report
11Digital Learning
by t h e n u m b e r s
25 36
t h e e d p o rta l
& HarvardX
online
certificates of high school students
22
for Allston
competency for participated in
Microsoft Office computer and
online events
awarded to Brighton communication
High School students skills workshops
The Harvard Ed Portal designs programs that take
186
advantage of digital resources and tools to help
Fostering lifelong learning in a digital Allston-Brighton residents with a range of learning
age through innovative, facilitated goals. Individuals reached through digital learning
participants in
programs for community members opportunities include:
virtual events
70
youth
49
job seekers
68
lifelong learners
57
teachers
f e at u r e d p r o g r a m s
Success in a New Virtual World
Recognizing a critical and immediate need to help
community members transition into virtual work and
education settings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,
the Harvard Ed Portal offered several workshops on how
to use Zoom for online classes and meetings. Programs
included lessons about organizing techniques, using break-
out groups, and leading virtual meetings. Open to anyone
interested in gaining proficiency in using the tool, the
workshops were also offered in Spanish.
“Zoom” into Summer:
Engaging with Students Virtually
The Harvard Ed Portal’s “Zoom” into Summer workshop
was designed for local educators in the out-of-school-time
learning community who support students in after school
and summer programs. Educators learned about accessing
resources to help plan for virtual classes and creating a
more engaging virtual experience for students.Building Professional Skills
and Personal Confidence
Ben Do
Brighton High School ’21
When Ben Do, a rising senior at information in school and beyond. gained not only real skills but also
Brighton High School, arrived at Lessons are part of the Harvard the confidence in connecting with
the Harvard Ed Portal, he had been Ed Portal’s four-day workshop different people and working as a
in the United States for just a few series designed to teach students team.”
months. He and his family moved core computer skills in Microsoft
to Boston from Vietnam and made Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The After the program, Do started an
a new home in the Allston-Brighton goal is to advance the students’ internship as part of the Harvard
neighborhood. understanding of using the Ed Portal Summer Intern Program
programs in both an academic and for high schoolers in Boston Public
a professional setting. Schools. Over the course of four
Everyone was welcoming, weeks, interns work on projects
“When I started, although I was tailored to their skills and interests.
and I got the feeling that they
familiar with Microsoft programs, Working in the Web Development
cared about my success. I knew I needed to learn more to group, Do helped build a website
gain proficiency,” Do said. “As a that showcases all the projects
high school student, demonstrating completed over the summer.
“The first thing I noticed was the qualifications can be difficult Although he loves coding, he looks
staff,” Do said. “Everyone was because we often have little work forward to pursuing a college degree
welcoming, and I got the feeling experience. That’s why being able to in economics.
that they cared about my success.” participate in a formal program is
important.
Do joined the Ed Portal to learn
about Microsoft Office programs As I reflect on the lessons and my
that he felt were necessary for interactions with the staff and
writing, analyzing, and presenting fellow students, I realize that I’ve
Annual Report
13Youth
by t h e n u m b e r s
2019 – 2020 a c a d e m i c y e a r
92 34
t h e e d p o rta l
Programming
online
23
Allston-Brighton Gardner Pilot
students mentored by Academy students
39 Harvard College attended out-of-
online events
students school-time programs
at the Ed Portal
Advancing Harvard’s commitment to
69 89
education through programming designed
to support classroom learning and develop
enthusiastic learners
students participated students participated
56
participants in
in afterschool clubs* in Summer
virtual events
Explorations
6
students placed
10
Harvard Museums
in Life Science of Science & Culture
Laboratory scholarships
Apprenticeships
across Harvard
* 1st and 2nd Grade Club, Robotics Club,
Hand-on Sustainability, Mural Club,
Pre-text, and 3rd–8th Yoga & Mindfulness
f e at u r e d p r o g r a m s
A series of single-week programs during the summer months, Summer
Explorations offers students in grades 1–10 the opportunity to explore
different subject areas. Summer 2019 offerings included:
• Literacy • Scratch and Root Robotics
• Peabody: Time Travelers – Viajeros • 3D Printing
en el Tiempo • ART: Kids Company Jamboree
• Strength and Conditioning Clinic • Science of Cooking
• Hands-on Sustainability • Girls’ Crimson Soccer School
• ThinkerAnalytix • Boys’ Youth Basketball Academy
• Harvard Revealed
• Harvard Museum of
Natural History – Space!
Life Science Apprenticeship Program
Launched in 2018, the Life Science Apprenticeship Program responsibilities of a STEM administrative or laboratory career. Last
seeks to give students, who have not been introduced to lab summer, six students from Allston-Brighton schools were placed
work as a potential career, an understanding of opportunities in labs across Harvard’s campus, including: the Hoekstra Lab,
associated with biotechnology and research science. Students the Mason Lab, the Hanken Lab, the administrative offices in the
learn laboratory and workplace skills in the classroom and at the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, the Harvard
Harvard Ed Portal, and are then placed in paid, part-time summer Museum of Natural History, and the Harvard Ed Portal.
apprenticeships to expose them to a STEM workplace and theGiving Back Through Mentoring Charlotte Terrass
“The best part of mentoring is After signing up, Terrass came
Harvard College, Class of 2023
the feeling of being committed to realize just how close of a
Undergraduate Mentor
to doing good and working connection she had with the
at Harvard Ed Portal
with people you admire,” said mentees. “A couple of days into
Charlotte Terrass, who grew up in mentoring, I realized the program
Allston-Brighton and is now an was the same one I had done when
undergraduate mentor for the I was in middle school!” she said.
Harvard Ed Portal’s Mentoring “I immediately called my parents
Program. “There’s so much joy about it.
in seeing the work and potential
come to life through meaningful Back then, I remember it was more
relationships.” focused on homework help and it
was in a different building. Today,
The Harvard Ed Portal’s the program is in a much bigger
Mentoring Program pairs Allston- space and the Ed Portal offers so
Brighton students in grades many resources. Any idea, any
3–12 with Harvard College project that students want to pursue
undergraduates for up to 10 weeks is possible.”
during an academic semester.
One of Terrass’s mentees was a
third grader from the Gardner Pilot
I realized the program was Academy. “She was very artistic and
needed help with writing,” Terrass
the same one I had done said. “We worked together to create
when I was in middle school! a book. She drew her own characters
and it was exactly how she had
envisioned it. I helped her with
Undergraduates serve as college- the writing part, and it all came
aged role models and help create together perfectly. It was a great
hands-on activities tailored to combination of art and creative
individual interests and geared writing.”
towards supporting students’
creativity. Reflecting on her experience
and future at Harvard College,
“As an undergraduate at Harvard Terrass says she wants to continue
College, I joined the Mentoring mentoring. “There is so much
Program because I wanted to excitement and creativity at the
give back to my community,” said Ed Portal,” she said. “Being able
Terrass. “The Ed Portal has a close to provide the structure to bring
connection to my neighborhood. the students’ ideas to life is so
I really wanted to help kids who rewarding. And I get to do it with
share similar backgrounds and my fellow mentors who I admire and
experiences recognize that they inspire me to give back even more.”
too can make it to college. The
Mentoring Program connected
the dots.”
Annual Report
15Public School
by t h e n u m b e r s
242 994
t h e e d p o rta l
Partnerships
online
Allston-Brighton seventh Allston-Brighton
graders participated in
Project Teach
students reached
through youth
7
online events
programs
13 29
Bringing Harvard programming and resources
to educators, parents, and students within
Boston Public Schools in Allston-Brighton
Harvard Graduate School of
Education students provided
teachers in Allston-
Brighton schools
209
participants in
2,300+ hours in support of participated in
virtual events
Allston-Brighton students 19 professional
development
programs
78
family engagement events for Allston-Brighton
residents at the Harvard Ed Portal
f e at u r e d p r o g r a m s
Education Day
As part of Education Day at Harvard, the Public School
Partnerships team worked in collaboration with Harvard
Athletics to invite over 1,000 students and teachers to
campus. K–6 students packed the stands at Lavietes Pavilion
to watch the Harvard women’s basketball team take on the
Northeastern Huskies. Many of them made banners to cheer
on the Harvard Crimson. The event built on Project Teach—
Harvard’s Official College and Career Awareness program—
which seeks to give students a firsthand look at what it means
to be a college student and provide them with the tools and
support to foster the belief that higher education can be part
of their future.
SmartTALK:
Homework Support for Kids at Boston Public Libraries
For the 5th year, Harvard’s Public School Partnerships team
partnered with Boston Public Library to train its Homework Help
mentors on SmartTALK: Homework Support for Kids. The training
provided 53 high school mentors with the tools to support
children’s success through behavior management, understanding
social and emotional needs, and using games to support learning
aligned with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Common
Core Standards.
sign up for the psp newsletter
hrvd.me/psp-newsletterEmpowering Students on Campus
and in the Classroom
Katharine
Atkins-Pattenson
7th Grade Teacher
at Gardner Pilot Academy
Every year, local seventh graders “As a former college counselor, I saw of these new materials as part of a
are invited to spend a day on the impact of getting students to group of educators and guidance
Harvard’s campus, touring the campus – it’s an important way to counselors who have partnered
University and taking part in provide a contextualized and richer to support Project Teach and its
specially designed classes focused experience that can really change mission. “These are tools that
on engaging fields of science, the trajectory of what they see as continue to help us ground the
history, and the arts. As part of the potential future options. Access to a discussion about going to college.”
experience, students have lunch at college environment means seeing
historic Annenberg Hall and learn the diversity in socioeconomic Beyond Project Teach, Atkins-
from undergraduates about what backgrounds and coming to Pattenson cites the Harvard Ed
it means to go to college. The day’s the realization that college is a Portal as a critical bridge between
events are part of Project Teach, reachable and an accessible goal. the University and the Allston-
As a teacher, I’ve seen the moments Brighton community. ”The Public
where the thought clicks with School Partnerships team has done
College is a reachable and the students and it is amazing to a phenomenal job supporting the
witness.” Gardner Pilot Academy eighth
an accessible goal. grade graduation ceremony every
Over the years, Project Teach has year, which is so lovely; opening
Harvard’s Official College and continued to evolve based on the up professional development
Career Awareness program, run feedback of students, teachers, and opportunities for teachers; and
by the University’s Public School parents. creating a space for our school
Partnerships team. community to come together and
“Project Teach is constantly growing engage in different types of fun
“Project Teach is a powerful way through the collaboration of its activities. The Harvard Ed Portal
to get kids thinking about their partners on Harvard’s campus truly is a place where we see
futures,” said Katharine Atkins- and in local schools. There are now students’ work and agency come to
Pattenson, who teaches at the slide presentations, checklists, life.”
Gardner Pilot Academy and has and activity prompts that are
been an important partner in the easily accessible to teachers and
Annual Report
evolution of Project Teach. students,” said Atkins-Pattenson,
who contributed to the development
17Housing
a l l b r i g h t h o m eo w n e r s h i p p ro g r a m
by t h e n u m b e r s *
$
3m
in Harvard funding
$
11.4m
in funding leveraged
by ABCDC since the
Working with community partners to
start of the program
support programs and initiatives that
16 19
create and preserve affordable and diverse
housing options in Allston-Brighton
properties units sold since the
purchased since start of the program
the start of the
program
*Number of properties purchased as compared to the number of units sold
reflects certain properties being multifamily homes. See Appendix C for a
complete Housing Stabilization Fund Update, prepared by Allston Brighton
Community Development Corporation (ABCDC).
f e at u r e d p r o g r a m s
Update on 90 Antwerp The Value of
Community
Cal Halvorsen
Allston Resident
Urbanica, the affordable housing
developer that was selected to The All Bright Homeownership Program “My husband and I appreciate the ethos
develop the former Brookline aims to promote owner-occupancy and behind the All Bright Homeownership
Machine site, began construction on a real sense of community in Allston- Program,” said Cal Halvorsen, who
90 Antwerp Street in winter of 2019. Brighton. The initiative is a one-of-a-kind recently bought a condo in Allston through
The project is now well underway partnership between Harvard University the program. “We fell in love with the
and consists of 20 deed-restricted and the Allston Brighton Community neighborhood – it’s diverse on a variety
homeownership units – 12 of which Development Corporation (ABCDC). of factors. When we found out that the
will be affordable – along with Capital provided by Harvard allows ABCDC property was owned by a nonprofit, we
accessible green space. The buildable to act quickly when properties go on the recognized the significance of working with
development parcel, along with market, subsequently reselling them to an organization that values making a home
significant funding, is a Harvard individuals or families who want to reside in the neighborhood. It made us like the
cooperation agreement benefit. in the neighborhood. This way, there’s less property even more.”
investor-buying and more opportunities
for people to find a permanent home. The All Bright Homeownership Program has
By placing an owner-occupancy deed been operational for five years. The initial
restriction on the properties, the ABCDC $3 million in capital provided by Harvard
also ensures that houses remain owner- University has helped ABCDC leverage $11.4
occupied in perpetuity. million in funding and sell 19 units since the
start of the program.Public Realm
Harvard-Allston Public Realm
Flexible Fund
Through the Flexible Fund, Harvard University supports projects
that create vibrant public spaces and encourage civic and
cultural activity. Applications for the fund will open again in
September 2020.
Contributing to public space improvements that allow
Allston-Brighton to shine; empowering the efforts
of community partners to enhance the physical and
cultural landscapes of the neighborhood
Green Spaces that Support the
Community, and a Better World
Beth Fried &
Miriam Shenitzer
Pollinator Networks
Led by Miriam Shenitzer, Harvard Graduate power of gardens and the cognitive benefits
School of Education ’94, and Beth Fried, of green spaces. In particular, in disadvan-
Executive Vice President Katie Lapp greets
Pollinator Networks seeks to reverse some taged neighborhoods where there are fewer
Mayor Marty Walsh at a celebration of Smith
Field in November 2019. of the damaging effects of climate change parks, access to these important urban
by creating a network of pollinator-friendly gardens promotes inclusion, social cohesion,
habitats and food sources for bees, butter- and may even help address human health
“Smith Field is a space for all resi-
flies, and birds that are critical to a healthy disparities.
dents and families to enjoy. These
ecological ecosystem. Recognizing the
green spaces support public health
importance of this work to Allston-Brighton’s “Without flex funding this project could not
and well-being, they help bring
open spaces, Pollinator Networks is also one have come to be,” Shenitzer and Fried said.
neighbors together, and improve
of the projects that has received a grant “The funding provided for everything, from
the quality of life for everyone. This
through the Harvard Allston Public Realm design, to materials, to labor and allowed us
is a gold standard park that rep-
Flexible Fund. to create a pollinator garden at Herter Park,
resents the kind of creativity and
which draws hundreds of passers-by each
accessibility we’re including in all
“We envision the project becoming a day.”
new parks in Boston.”
network of pollinator gardens that knits
together corridors throughout Allston and As the project moves forward, Shenitzer
– Martin J. Walsh
neighborhoods across the entire city – even and Fried will continue to build community
Mayor of Boston
across the Charles,” Fried and Shenitzer around the important role of pollinators in
said. “Any abandoned space can be used to the ecosystem through educational pro-
plant pollinator-friendly flowers and there gramming for both school children and local
are positive examples of this work through- residents interested in creating pollinator
out the country, including in Seattle and gardens, “We love seeing neighbors from all
Minnesota.” walks of life stop and tell us how much they
appreciate the work we’re doing and ask
The benefits of pollinator gardens extend what they can do to help.”
Annual Report
beyond the aspect of nature conservation.
Shenitzer and Fried point to the healing
19Harvard Allston h a p f s i n c e 2008 201 9 – 2020
Partnership Fund $
1.2m 39 18
in grants nonprofit partners nonprofit
awardees
The Harvard Allston Partnership Fund (HAPF) was
created to leverage the strengths and expertise of
the local nonprofit community. Since the fund was
136
grants
5k+
Allston-Brighton
$
100k
in grants
established in 2008, Harvard has partnered with 39
residents reached
local nonprofits and distributed over $1.2 million in
through partner
grants, supporting a wide range of organizations—
programs and
from neighborhood improvement projects to
services
educational programming.
Partnering to Meet Allston Partnership Fund was created to COVID-19. Grants were made available
Community Needs support nonprofit organizations – like the to address pressing needs, including food
Brazilian Women’s Group – that have the delivery, equipment purchases, technology
mission and expertise to serve the diverse support, or educational programs.
Heloisa Maria Galvão needs of Allston-Brighton residents. The
awards support a wide range of programs “The people we serve don’t give up and
from educational and enrichment they are so grateful,” said Galvão. “It is
Co-Founder & Executive Director, activities to arts and family engagement inspiring to see them find grace in the
Brazilian Women’s Group programming. middle of this tragedy.”
“The biggest challenge is matching
The Brazilian Women’s Group has been in resources to the needs of a community,”
operation since 1995 and was established said Galvão. “Funding from Harvard
to support immigrant women from Brazil. University has been crucial for our
“We’re an active community working organization to be able to support our
on human rights and workers’ rights,” Allston-Brighton residents financially. For
said Heloisa Maria Galvão who leads the many in our community, this is the only
organization. “People have a lot of needs – help they receive. Without these funds,
paying for groceries, rent, and utilities. You our community would be in much worse
can’t pay your rent if you can’t work.” situation.”
This year, the Brazilian Women’s Group In the midst of the pandemic, Harvard
received a grant from the Harvard University awarded another grant to the
Allston Partnership Fund to implement a Brazilian Women’s Group through the
support program, including professional Allston-Brighton Emergency Response
and leadership development courses, for Grant, an initiative designed to help
members of the community. The Harvard nonprofits mobilize quickly to respond to2019–2020 HAPF Grant Recipients
Allston-Brighton Community Charles River Watershed Association Open Door Soup Kitchen
Development Corporation Awarded grant to support park Awarded grant to support the Kitchen’s
Awarded grant to support financial maintenance and educational mission of providing home cooked meals
counseling community programming to those in need
Allston-Brighton Youth Hockey Earthwatch Institute Project Citizenship
Association Awarded grant to support the Awarded grant to support citizenship
Awarded grant in support of youth development and training of community services for permanent residents
hockey instruction and Learn to Skate “green teams”
programs West End House
Family Nurturing Center Awarded grant to support youth
Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Awarded grant to maintain two existing enrichment programs
Force playgroups serving Allston-Brighton
Awarded grant to support youth Winship Parent Council
outreach and prevention programming The Fishing Academy Awarded grant to support music
in the community Awarded grant for scholarships to youth instruction for youth working with the
in Allston-Brighton to benefit from Handel and Haydn Society
Baldwin Early Learning Pilot Academy fishing instruction
Awarded grant to support hands-on
learning opportunities for children Friends of the Honan-Allston Library
Awarded grant to provide sewing
Big Sister Association of Greater Boston instruction
Awarded grant to match local youth with
mentors Gardner Pilot Academy
Awarded grant to support after school
Boston String Academy programs
Awarded grant to provide high quality
musical instruction to local youth The Literacy Connection
Awarded grant to support literacy
Brazilian Women’s Group instruction
Awarded grant to support leadership and
professional development programming
for women
Annual Report
21Partners
Boston Planning and Harvard Innovation Labs
Development Agency
Harvard John A. Paulson School
Boston Police Department of Engineering and Applied
Sciences
Boston Public Library System
Harvard Planning and Project
•Honan-Allston Library
Management
Boston Public Schools
Harvard is pleased to recognize our
•Baldwin Early Learning Pilot Harvard Real Estate
partners from the Boston community and
School
across campus that contribute to the
•Boston Green Academy Harvard Strategic Procurement
wide range of programming and make
•Brighton High School
our relationship with the Allston-Brighton Harvard T.H. Chan School of
•Edison K–8 School
neighborhood so meaningful. Public Health
•Gardner Pilot Academy
•Horace Mann School for the Harvard Transportation &
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Parking
•Jackson Mann K–8 School
•Mary Lyon School Harvard University Center for
Wellness and Health Promotion
Department of Neighborhood
Development Harvard University Employee
Credit Union
Mayor’s Office of Arts and
Culture Harvard University Faculty of
External Partners McNamara House •Boston Cultural Council Arts and Sciences
•Department of African and
New England Foundation for Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood African American Studies
Community:
the Arts - Creative City Services •Department of Molecular and
A Far Cry Cellular Biology
OneGoal Mayor’s Office of Workforce
•Department of Philosophy
Allston Brighton Adult Development
Parker Quartet •Harvard Art Museums
Education Coalition
•Harvard Ceramics Program
Philanthropy Massachusetts Harvard Partners
Allston Brighton Community •Harvard Museums of Science
Development Corporation PRX Podcast Garage American Repertory Theater & Culture
-H
arvard Museum of
Allston Brighton Health SCORE Boston Derek Bok Center for Teaching Natural History
Collaborative and Learning -H
arvard Peabody
The Literacy Connection
Allston Civic Association Museum of Archaeology &
Harvard ArtLab
Unbound Visual Arts Ethnology
Allston Open Studios Harvard Athletics • Harvard-Smithsonian
YMCA of Greater Boston Center for Astrophysics
Allston Village Main Streets Harvard Business School
•History Department
Young Audiences of
Brighton Main Streets Massachusetts Harvard College Admissions
Harvard University Information
Office
Charles River Community Technology
Commonwealth of
Health Harvard Energy and Facilities
Massachusetts: Harvard University Police
• Landscape Services
Charlesview, Inc. Department
Massachusetts Health
Harvard Extension School
CommonWheels Connector HarvardX
Harvard Graduate Commons
Family Nurturing Center Massachusetts Supplier Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab
Program
Diversity Office
Gardner Adult Education Silkroad Road Project
Harvard Graduate School of
Program
City of Boston: Education The Lakshmi Mittal and Family
Jackson Mann Community South Asia Institute
Boston Housing Authority Harvard Human Resources
Center
Boston Parks and Recreation • Center for Workplace
Department Development
Local Enterprise Assistance FundAdvisory Boards & Mark Handley Harvard Ed Portal Team A special thanks to:
Committees
Carole Hill Eve Alpern, Arts & Culture Sabrina Dorsainvil, Joan
Clifford and Vahid Majidian,
Harvard Allston Task Force Jane McHale Jim Barrows, Economic
Alex Cornacchini, Michael
Development
John Bruno Conor Newman and Nancy O’Hara, Ben Do,
Philana Brown, Arts & Culture Charlotte Terrass, Katharine
John Cusack Trinh Nguyen Atkins-Pattenson, Cal
Tessa Castellani, Halvorsen, and Heloisa Maria
Rita DiGesse Michele Rocray
Communications Galvão, who contributed to this
Mike Hanlon
Maile Takahashi report.
Jason Clark, Ed Portal Manager
Bruce Houghton
& Health & Wellness
Harvard Allston Public Realm
Tim McHale
Flexible Fund Executive Jean Dao, Public School Photos provided by Harvard
Millie McLaughlin Committee Partnerships Public Affairs & Communication
Ethan Davies, Youth in collaboration with everyone
Ben Armstrong who contributed to this report.
Harvard Ed Portal Advisory Programming & Mentoring
Board Gerald Autler
Leah Dodell, Digital Learning &
Marie Ace Leah Beaulieu HarvardX for Allston
Keith Collar Johanna Bernstein Ben Franco, Ed Portal Assistant
Director
Victoria D’Souza Sabrina Dorsainvil
Abigail Hadfield,
Ben Franco Mark Handley Communications and
Mark Handley Marketing Intern
Bruce Houghton
Erica Herman Dan Hasset-Salley, Design
Elsa Rohas
Thomas Jehn Susan Johnson, Youth
Harvard Allston Partnership Programming & Mentoring
Susan Johnson Fund Advisory Board
Joan Matsalia, Public School
Fatima Masrar Kayi Gerald Autler Partnerships
Lisa McDonough Jennifer Barrios Cláudia O’Brien, Reception
Lauren Lafferty Jim Barrows Brigid O’Rourke,
Communications & Media
Robert Lue John Bruno
Inquiries
Conor Newman Daniel Daly
Lorena Paulino De La Cruz,
Pia Sorensen Julia Eskew Reception
Maile Takahashi Mark Handley Libna Ramos, Public School
Partnerships
Rita Vidiya Margaret Kelley
Michele Rocray, Workforce
Jenyffer Alvarez Zumaran Wayne MacKenzie Development
Lisa McDonough Maile Takahashi, Community
Workforce & Economic
Development Advisory Board Programming
Conor Newman
Gerald Autler Karen Smith
Jim Barrows Maile Takahashi
John Bruno
Annual Report
Alex Gray
23Public Information
by t h e n u m b e r s
& Outreach 58
Ed Portal newsletters
326
posts shared on the
emailed this past year Harvard Ed Portal
Facebook page
1,300+ 19
Throughout the 2019-2020 year, Harvard Public Affairs &
Communications continued using the Harvard Ed Portal and
Harvard Local social media channels in new and creative ways
posts shared on the posts highlighting
to reach neighbors and community partners. With hundreds of
Harvard Local Twitter Allston-Brighton
posts shared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we’ve reached
page events on Instagram
a record number of Allston-Brighton residents about community
programs and reflected on our shared accomplishments. As the
Harvard Ed Portal transitioned to virtual programs this past
spring, our social media channels became more important than
ever in ensuring we remain connected.You can also read
