Community Engagement

The Moakley Center undertakes a variety of projects to support public service work carried out by both public and nonprofit organizations in the community. Some of the work is done under contract, some on a pro bono basis. Many staff members and senior fellows serve on Boards of Directors for local nonprofit organizations in Boston as well.

Ongoing Projects

Higher Ground

Founded 14 years ago, Higher Ground's mission is to work with residents and partners to achieve excellent outcomes in education, housing and health for children and families in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. Higher Ground serves as the backbone to two collective impact initiatives. One is the Surround Care Coalition (SCC), an initiative consisting of 14 partner organizations, parents, educators and community residents committed to “surrounding” nearly 1,000 students and families with out of school time and enrichment programs, mentoring, mental health, behavioral health, and human services The SCC also engages and trains parents to exercise their voice in decisions that affect the education of their children. Higher Ground’s second collective impact initiative is the Family-Led Stability Initiative (FLSI) consisting of four nonprofit partners and three city agencies - Boston Public Schools, Boston Housing Authority, and the Mayor’s Office of Housing to house more than 550 homeless students and their families in 16 partner schools.

The Moakley Center has a decade-long evaluation partnership with Boston’s Higher Ground. The Moakley Center has assisted Higher Ground by evaluating several of its community-based programs and initiatives including the Children’s Health Equity Project, Family Led Stability Pilot/Initiative (FLSP/FLSI), Surround Care Coalition (SCC) Tech Equity Project, Community-Based Learning Pods and the Children’s Health Initiative. Currently, the Moakley Center is focused on conducting a case study of Higher Ground's NextGen Explorers after school program. The results of the case study will be shared in the Spring of 2025.

iWorks Internship Program

For 21 years, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in partnership with the Moakley Center for Public Management (MCPM) and Communities for People (CFP) has provided youth ages 14 to 21 with the opportunity to participate in a paid summer internship program (Summer iWorks). Summer iWorks offers DCF-involved youth the opportunity to:

  1. Gain valuable work experience and earn money.
  2. Utilize money management and budgeting skills.
  3. Develop skills in resume writing, interviewing, dressing for success, and understanding professionalism in the workplace.
  4. Practice positive work habits (appearance at work, attendance, punctuality, willingness to learn new skills, etc.).
  5. Meet personal goals such as self-esteem, self-reliance, leadership, communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.

By offering training sessions, incentivizing good work habits, and providing a job coach, the youth learn the key professional skills and responsibilities needed to work with one of our community partners.

Over the years, the iWorks program has established successful partnerships with over 55 non-profits, community organizations, and local government agencies, providing on-site internship opportunities for youth.

The iWorks program now operates year-round, with different focuses for each season: Summer, Fall, and Spring. In the Fall, youth can stay at their Summer placements while focusing on balancing work, academics, and attending monthly workshops focused on learning life skills. The Spring session lets youth fully complete their internships and introduces them to workshops on higher education and different career opportunities. Helping them transition to adulthood and independence.

Legislative Academy

New legislators have the opportunity to learn about their key responsibilities at a freshman training session. Since 2005, under the leadership and direction of the offices of the House Speaker and President of the Senate, a similar learning opportunity has been available for legislative staff: The Massachusetts Legislative Academy Staff Seminar. On January 23 and 24, 2019, this bi-annual seminar was held for the 8th time.

Presented by Suffolk University’s Moakley Center for Public Management and Public Policy and Practice HUB, this two half-day long seminar provides staffers with the background information and the tools to effectively serve their Legislator, their Constituents and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. While it is a time for professional development, it also provides a wider lens, focusing on the importance of public service and the high regard and responsibility that comes with Staffer positions at the Massachusetts Legislature.  

Learn More

Looking for undergraduate community service opportunities? Visit Suffolk's Center for Community Engagement for more information.