MassHousing recently hosted a celebration of the Think Big, Dream Big program, an effort to empower young people to develop and implement solutions to the important issues facing their communities.
Think Big, Dream Big grew from a 2011 town hall meeting during which more than 300 students from urban areas in Massachusetts were challenged to become 'Agents of Change' in their communities. In 2012, 15 students (10 high school, five college) participated in eight-week summer internships that helped them obtain professional experience and skills and develop their leadership abilities.
Think Big, Dream Big interns surround MassHousing's Thaddeus Miles, one of the program's organizers
Among other things, interns authored a regular newsletter, published a blog, produced videos, managed a YouTube channel and maintained social media channels. In addition, each week students visited various communities, participated in health and fitness activities and attended seminars on leadership, personal development, financial literacy and other themes.
Along with numerous community organizations, private companies, academic institutions, nonprofits and others, MassHousing was proud to sponsor Think Big, Dream Big. It fits nicely alongside our other efforts—the STARR Mentor Program, Youth RAP, conference on Youth in Housing et al—to better serve and support young residents of MassHousing-financed rental communities, and young people across the Commonwealth.