Community Initiatives

There are many ways Harvard’s faculty, students, and staff contribute to the local community in carrying out the University’s mission of teaching, research, and learning. The diversity of Harvard’s programs, services, and partnerships is the result of years of collaboration between the University and its neighbors.

Harvard-Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund

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Smith Field Groundbreaking

The Harvard Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund supports projects that enhance the public realm and for which public sources of financing may be unavailable or inadequate. Projects may include improvements in public parks and open space, neighborhood beautification, streetscape improvements, public safety projects, and public art, including functional art such as benches or bike racks.

Science Brought to Life

MedScience

MedScience

MEDscience is an innovative high school science curriculum that provides students with the opportunity to bring science to life through hands-on mock clinical cases and classroom lessons conducted at Harvard Medical School. The program addresses the inspiration gap in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and engages traditionally underserved and underrepresented youth, empowering them with the skills for success in their academics and future careers.

Read more in the Harvard Gazette.

Programs for Cambridge, Boston, and beyond

Crimson Summer Academy

Crimson Summer Academy

The Crimson Summer Academy is a rigorous enrichment program that provides academically talented high school students with skills and financial support to thrive and excel in college. To date, 94 percent of graduates complete college in four years.

Arboretum

Arnold Arboretum

A living museum containing over 14,000 trees collected during the past century from Asia, Europe, and North America, the Arnold Arboretum is one of Boston’s largest green space s, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and providing educational STEM programming for Boston Public Schools.

Community Benefits

Harvard Ed Portal

Created in 2008, the Harvard Ed Portal brings the Harvard and Allston-Brighton communities together through learning, exploring ideas, and embracing diversity of participants.

Phillips Brooks House Association

A student-run, community-based, nonprofit organization offering more than 80 programs that serve thousands of low-income individuals in Greater Boston.

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Observatory Nights

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics hosts a variety of free programs for the public, including Observatory Nights held on the third Thursday of the month.

Smith Field

Smith Field Groundbreaking

In October 2017, Harvard's Drew Faust and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh broke ground on the renovation of the historic William F. Smith Field in Allston. The renovation will include improvements to the playground and sports fields, new walking paths, a splash pond, a street hockey court, and a spacious amphitheater where performances can be staged year-round.

The Family Van

The Family Van

A mobile clinic affiliated with Harvard Medical School, The Family Van is dedicated to increasing access to health care, health resources, and various social services in some of Boston's underserved neighborhoods. Designed in collaboration with community partners, the Van provides free preventive health screenings and education, creating more equitable health outcomes.

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