Boston Uncornered

Overview

Boston Uncornered is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016, dedicated to eliminating violence in urban environments by providing transformative opportunities for young individuals involved in street violence. The organization seeks to decrease shootings and homicides by engaging "Core Influencers"—young people who have previously been involved in gangs or violence—and guiding them towards productive and peaceful pathways through education and mentorship.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of Boston Uncornered is to create a safer community by addressing the root causes of violence. The organization operates on the belief that those closest to the problems—often marginalized youth—hold the solutions. By empowering these individuals, Boston Uncornered aims to change the narrative around gang involvement and violence, highlighting the potential for positive change within these communities.

Programs and Initiatives

Boston Uncornered employs a multifaceted model that includes:

• Educational Support: The organization provides resources aimed at helping disengaged youth obtain educational credentials, including high school diplomas and college readiness programs. This approach is foundational in equipping youth with the skills necessary to pursue higher education and sustainable employment.

• Mentorship: Recognizing the importance of role models, the initiative hires and trains former gang leaders as mentors for young participants. These mentors, known as Core Influencers, share their experiences and provide guidance, reinforcing the belief that change is possible.

• Financial Assistance: Participants receive stipends to mitigate financial barriers that prevent them from focusing on their education. This support allows them to engage fully in their studies and training without the added stress of financial instability.

Impact and Expansion

Since its inception, Boston Uncornered has achieved substantial outcomes in its target communities, primarily in Boston but also extending to Providence and Kansas City. The program has shown that each Core Influencer supported by the organization can save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approximately $70,000 annually by preventing costs associated with incarceration and other social subsidies. This translates to significant savings for cities grappling with the fiscal implications of violence and crime.

The organization continues to expand its reach, aiming to replicate its successful model in additional urban areas across the United States.

Community Engagement and Future Directions

Boston Uncornered emphasizes community involvement and seeks partnerships with various stakeholders within the anti-violence ecosystem, including educational institutions, mental health providers, and other nonprofit organizations. The organization is committed to its mission of creating a nationwide impact and remains focused on continuously evolving its programs to better serve the needs of its participants.

Through its innovative approach and dedication to empowering youth, Boston Uncornered stands as a beacon of hope for transforming communities plagued by violence into environments of opportunity and peace.

[1] https://uncornered.org/about/ [2] https://uncornered.org/uncornered-a-new-word-a-big-idea/ [3] https://uncornered.org [4] https://www.cominghomedirectory.org/coming-home-post/college-bound-dorchester/ [5] https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/uncornered-organization-works-to-curb-youth-violence-in-boston/2859871/