PROGRAMS

MBK617 is striving to bring resources in the form of Educational and Skills training programs to our community. Below you will find information on current and previous MBK617 Programs. With your help we can continue to create new programs.

Join us in discussing future program goals and participating in creating the next MBK617 program. Please feel free to contact us for any further details, comments, or concerns via email at info@MBK617.ORG

CARPENTER PROGRAM

SPARTAN PROGRAM

MBK617 is proud to announce the launch of the Spartan carpentry program, a pre-apprenticeship program through our Brick-by-Brick initiative. Young adults will be able to enroll in a 16-week program, where they will receive the necessary skills training needed to become an apprentice with the North Atlantic State Carpenters union. After completion of the program, students will embark on the road to a promising career they can be proud of.

Thanks to an amazing partnership between MBK617, the North Atlantic State Carpenters Union, The Louis D Brown Peace Institute, and Milwaukee Tools company.

Due to an overwhelming number of requests, we have currently paused new admission applications for the Spartan Pre-Apprentice Program. We are truly grateful for the incredible interest and support from our community.

Please stay tuned for updates — we will reopen the application process once space becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

YOUTH MENTORSHIP

A Shift in Focus: Empowering Youth Through Workforce Development

At MBK617, our mission has always been rooted in supporting the youth in our community. Over the years, we’ve worked directly with countless young individuals, offering mentorship, guidance, and support during some of the most critical points in their lives.

However, due to the growing demand for one-on-one youth support and the limitations of having only two dedicated staff members—and without access to a proper facility—we’ve found it increasingly difficult to sustain the level of mentorship our youth truly deserve. The need is great, but so are the challenges, and we believe in being honest about our capacity and impact.

That’s why we’ve made the decision to shift our focus toward Workforce Development.

This is not us turning our backs on our youth. Quite the opposite. We’re choosing a more sustainable and impactful path—one that allows us to continue changing lives in a way that aligns with our current resources and capacity.

By investing in workforce development programs, we are creating opportunities that lead to long-term success: training, certifications, job placements, and pathways to self-sufficiency. These programs are designed with our youth in mind, ensuring they have access to the tools and support needed to build stable, fulfilling futures.

Our hope is that one day, with the proper funding and facilities, we’ll be able to expand our mentorship services again. But for now, this is the most realistic and impactful way we can continue to serve our community.

Thank you for your continued support as we evolve to meet the needs of those who need us most.

ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM

ART OF THE PITCH

YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM

MBK617 launched our second pilot program to educate young entrepreneur-driven individuals on the process and elements of starting a business. Youths will learn how to develop a "PITCH DECK" and even get to present their idea to a panel of experts on graduation day in August 2022. This program will be an 8-week course, power-packed with valuable information.

This program is a collaborative effort between The Fairmount Innovation Lab, which will be hosting the program, the Boston Center for Community Ownership (BCCO) the developers of the curriculum, and MBK617. Youths are encouraged to take this opportunity to get started on an existing business idea or learn the process for future ideas.

The curriculum was held once a week on Tuesday from 12:30 pm-3:30 pm over 8 weeks at the Fairmount Innovation Lab, 572 Columbia Rd in Upham's Corner, Dorchester MA.

Stayed tuned for an announcement on the next entrepreneur class. For inquiries contact us via email @ info@MBK617.org

PRISON REENTRY

A PRISON REENTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NORTH ATLANTIC CARPENTER'S UNION, LOUIS D. BROWN PEACE INSTITUTE, AND THE NORFOLK COUNTY PRISON.

Launched in September 2023.