Over the weekend, I watched an amazing PBS documentary about Edwin Land, the inventor behind Polaroid. The multipart series offered a window into the life of a young man who, with support from others and an unwavering determination, changed the world through his dream of capturing moments in photographs – something many of us now take for granted in our smartphone age.
This documentary reminded me why we founded MBK Cambridge and why our work matters more than ever. Like the technological visionaries who came before us, from Land to Steve Jobs, we believe in the transformative power of innovation. But our focus isn’t on the next great device; it’s on unlocking the genius within Cambridge’s young people.
Cambridge proudly advertises its commitment to fostering a “livable, sustainable, just and equitable community.” As our country grapples with internal and external fears, too many young people in our 13 neighborhoods feel disconnected from these ideals. They see Edwin H. Land Boulevard runs through their city, but they don’t see a path to having their own names recognized for innovation and leadership.
MBK Cambridge, which I co-founded with Ty Bellitti, provides revolutionary training to help young people aged 18 to 30-plus discover their potential. Our six-week Empowerment Program connects participants with experienced professionals who guide them through sustainable practices for mental wellness, financial planning and personal development.
What makes our approach unique is that we refuse to segregate young people based on their backgrounds. In our program, a recent Harvard graduate might work alongside someone who has lost siblings to gun violence. This isn’t accidental – it’s intentional. We believe that both individuals need the same thing: opportunities to thrive in our city and the confidence to dream big.
Five years ago, at the height of the pandemic, 75 young people participated in our transformative program under tents, following all health mandates. The success was possible because the City of Cambridge manager’s office, police department and private funders worked together. When our community shows up united, we can shape our city’s future.
Today’s young people are entering an era of unprecedented uncertainty. Federal, state and municipal support systems face increasing pressure. This makes community-based programs such as ours not just important, but essential.
Our approach challenges the conventional wisdom that separates young people based on educational achievement or life circumstances. Instead, we create spaces where all participants can develop the social capital needed to flourish in a world-class innovation hub. We’re not just changing individual lives – we’re changing the paradigm.
I encourage city leaders, funders and community members to visit our office and meet the young people we serve. You’ll understand quickly why supporting this work isn’t just about helping individuals – it’s about ensuring that Cambridge’s next generation of innovators comes from all corners of our community.
Edwin Land changed the world from right here in Cambridge. With the right support and investment, the young people in our program can do the same. The question isn’t whether they have the potential – it’s whether we have the commitment to help them realize it.
The author is co-founder and co-president of the MBK Cambridge Task Force, a nonprofit organization with the goal of disrupting and eradicating chronic social, mental, economic and educational barriers for youth, young adults, parents and caregivers.
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Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.
How to ensure our next generation of innovators comes from all corners of our community
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Over the weekend, I watched an amazing PBS documentary about Edwin Land, the inventor behind Polaroid. The multipart series offered a window into the life of a young man who, with support from others and an unwavering determination, changed the world through his dream of capturing moments in photographs – something many of us now take for granted in our smartphone age.
This documentary reminded me why we founded MBK Cambridge and why our work matters more than ever. Like the technological visionaries who came before us, from Land to Steve Jobs, we believe in the transformative power of innovation. But our focus isn’t on the next great device; it’s on unlocking the genius within Cambridge’s young people.
Cambridge proudly advertises its commitment to fostering a “livable, sustainable, just and equitable community.” As our country grapples with internal and external fears, too many young people in our 13 neighborhoods feel disconnected from these ideals. They see Edwin H. Land Boulevard runs through their city, but they don’t see a path to having their own names recognized for innovation and leadership.
MBK Cambridge, which I co-founded with Ty Bellitti, provides revolutionary training to help young people aged 18 to 30-plus discover their potential. Our six-week Empowerment Program connects participants with experienced professionals who guide them through sustainable practices for mental wellness, financial planning and personal development.
What makes our approach unique is that we refuse to segregate young people based on their backgrounds. In our program, a recent Harvard graduate might work alongside someone who has lost siblings to gun violence. This isn’t accidental – it’s intentional. We believe that both individuals need the same thing: opportunities to thrive in our city and the confidence to dream big.
Five years ago, at the height of the pandemic, 75 young people participated in our transformative program under tents, following all health mandates. The success was possible because the City of Cambridge manager’s office, police department and private funders worked together. When our community shows up united, we can shape our city’s future.
Today’s young people are entering an era of unprecedented uncertainty. Federal, state and municipal support systems face increasing pressure. This makes community-based programs such as ours not just important, but essential.
Our approach challenges the conventional wisdom that separates young people based on educational achievement or life circumstances. Instead, we create spaces where all participants can develop the social capital needed to flourish in a world-class innovation hub. We’re not just changing individual lives – we’re changing the paradigm.
I encourage city leaders, funders and community members to visit our office and meet the young people we serve. You’ll understand quickly why supporting this work isn’t just about helping individuals – it’s about ensuring that Cambridge’s next generation of innovators comes from all corners of our community.
Edwin Land changed the world from right here in Cambridge. With the right support and investment, the young people in our program can do the same. The question isn’t whether they have the potential – it’s whether we have the commitment to help them realize it.
The author is co-founder and co-president of the MBK Cambridge Task Force, a nonprofit organization with the goal of disrupting and eradicating chronic social, mental, economic and educational barriers for youth, young adults, parents and caregivers.
Like this:
Related Stories
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.