Economic opportunity programs
In a variety of ways, Harvard also helps residents of Boston-area communities acquire the skills and resources they need to take advantage of the opportunities that a rapidly changing economy presents.
Harvard faculty members are also engaged in research on topics relating to poverty and economic opportunity, and in the translation of their findings into action. At Harvard Business School, for example, Professor Peter Tufano’s work on strategies for helping build their financial resources led him in 2000 to found the Doorways to Dreams Fund, Inc. (D2D), a non-profit organization based in Boston’s Dudley Square neighborhood. Working with financial institutions, community-based organizations and public agencies, D2D seeks to develop and promote low-cost, easily-accessible ways for low-income households to save and invest.
Today, Harvard’s century-old commitment to community service is alive and thriving; and by several measures – such as the number of community service programs or the number of service-learning courses offered – it has in recent years grown stronger. The University, its students and Boston-area communities all benefit from that commitment.
Here are a few examples of the 11 programs that address Economic opportunity
The Allston-Brighton Community Scholarships cover tuition for any Harvard Extension School course taken for noncredit, undergraduate, or graduate credit by residents of Allston and Brighton. Ten scholars are chosen each term by the Allston Civic Association. To date, Harvard has provided 73 Allston-Brighton community scholarships.
The Allston-Brighton English Language Scholarships cover full tuition for one course in the Institute for English Language Programs (IEL). Fifteen residents of Allston-Brighton are selected each term. For information about this scholarship, call the Honan Library, the Allston branch of the Boston Public Library, (617) 787-6313.
Cambridge Microfinance Initiative is the first student group at Harvard solely dedicated toward helping local aspiring small-business owners achieve their goals. We provide public service in helping clients secure microfinance loans through our partnership with Accion USA. Our clients receive one-on-one consultation and personalized business advice from our student volunteers.