Aspen Institute for Community Solutions | by Jim Marley
The October 2016 OYIF Convening included an Innovation Design Studio focused on lessons learned from the Bronx Opportunity Network (BON). BON is a collaborative of seven Bronx community-based organizations (CBOs) that have partnered with Bronx Community College and Hostos Community College to support opportunity youth in their transition to and through college by aligning programming and partnering with the colleges on fundamental redesign of their practices. The organizations that comprise the BON include:
BronxWorks
CUNY Prep
The Door
East Side House Settlement
Good Shepherd Services
Grace Outreach
New Settlement Apartments
The BON is also working in partnership with JobsFirstNYC, an intermediary organization in New York City that has served as the backbone organization for the BON in the Opportunity Youth Incentive Fund. Jim Marley, from the BON partner organization Good Shepherd Services, spoke to this issue during this session. Following the convening, the Aspen Forum for Community Solutions asked Jim to reflect on lessons learned from BON’s work. Below is an edited version of his interview.
